Working with Headings: h1 to h6 Explained

Introduction Headings are one of the first building blocks you use when structuring a webpage. They are crucial for organizing content, guiding users, and helping search engines understand your page's hierarchy. But using headings properly isn’t just about making text bigger or bolder — it's about semantic structure, accessibility, and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about HTML headings: from h1 to h6, including best practices, real-world examples, and common mistakes. 1. What Are Headings in HTML? Definition: Headings in HTML are special tags ( to ) used to define the titles or subtitles of a page section. Each heading level represents a different level of importance, with being the highest and the lowest. Syntax Example: Main Title Subsection Title Smaller Subsection 2. Purpose of Headings Visual Structure: Break up large blocks of text, making pages easier to scan. Semantic Meaning: Give meaning to the page content hierarchy. Accessibility: Assist screen readers and assistive technologies to navigate content quickly. SEO Benefits: Search engines prioritize content structure when ranking pages. 3. Understanding the Hierarchy: h1 to h6 Heading Tag Typical Use Case Importance Level Main page title Highest Main section heading High Subsection under an Medium Subsection under an Low Minor subsections, rarely used Lower Least important section headings Lowest

May 4, 2025 - 03:48

Working with Headings: h1 to h6 Explained

Introduction

Headings are one of the first building blocks you use when structuring a webpage.

They are crucial for organizing content, guiding users, and helping search engines understand your page's hierarchy.

But using headings properly isn’t just about making text bigger or bolder — it's about semantic structure, accessibility, and SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about HTML headings: from h1 to h6, including best practices, real-world examples, and common mistakes.

1. What Are Headings in HTML?

Definition:

Headings in HTML are special tags (

) used to define the titles or subtitles of a page section.
Each heading level represents a different level of importance, with

being the highest and

the lowest.

Syntax Example:

Main Title
Subsection Title
Smaller Subsection

2. Purpose of Headings

Visual Structure: Break up large blocks of text, making pages easier to scan.
Semantic Meaning: Give meaning to the page content hierarchy.
Accessibility: Assist screen readers and assistive technologies to navigate content quickly.
SEO Benefits: Search engines prioritize content structure when ranking pages.

3. Understanding the Hierarchy: `h1` to `h6`

Heading Tag	Typical Use Case	Importance Level
	Main page title	Highest
	Main section heading	High
	Subsection under an	Medium
	Subsection under an	Low
	Minor subsections, rarely used	Lower
	Least important section headings	Lowest