To run a GTmetrix speed test, go to gtmetrix.com, enter your page URL, start the test and open the report. The report shows a GTmetrix grade, a Performance score, a Structure score, Web Vitals and a waterfall of the files on your page. Cross-check the result with our free website speed test.
Key takeaways
- A GTmetrix report combines a Performance score and a Structure score into a letter grade.
- The waterfall shows which files load, in what order and how long each takes.
- Test options such as location and device may depend on your account, so check what is available to you.
- Compare results from the same tool over time instead of comparing it with other tools.
How do you run a GTmetrix speed test?
- Open GTmetrix in your browser.
- Paste the full URL of the page you want to test.
- Choose the available test options, such as location and device, if shown.
- Start the test and wait for the report to finish.
- Read the Summary first, then the Performance, Structure and Waterfall tabs.
Test more than once, because lab results vary slightly between runs.
What does the GTmetrix report show?
Summary
The Summary tab shows the GTmetrix grade, the Performance score, the Structure score and key Web Vitals such as Largest Contentful Paint and Cumulative Layout Shift. For how the grade is built, see what a good GTmetrix grade is.
Performance
This tab shows speed metrics from a Lighthouse-based test, such as how fast the main content appears and how long the page blocks interaction.
Structure
This tab lists audits about how the page is built, such as image sizes, caching and unused code. It shows the issues with the biggest impact first.
Waterfall
The waterfall lists every file the page loads, in order, with timing for each. Look for large files and long waits.
How do you read the waterfall?
Each row is one file and each bar shows how long it took. Long bars are slow files. Files that start late may be waiting on other files. Check the largest images, scripts and any third-party requests first.
How do you fix issues found in GTmetrix?
- Open the Structure tab and fix the highest-impact audit.
- Compress and resize large images. See how to optimize images for page speed.
- Enable caching and reduce server response time. See what a good TTFB is.
- Defer unused JavaScript and CSS.
- Test again and compare.
For the full list, read how to improve website speed.
Why is my GTmetrix result different from PageSpeed Insights?
The tools test from different locations and with different settings, so scores differ. See our comparison of GTmetrix, PageSpeed Insights and WebPageTest, or look at GTmetrix alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is GTmetrix free?
GTmetrix offers free testing with some limits. Features such as extra locations and options may depend on your plan, so check GTmetrix for current details.
How often should I run a GTmetrix test?
Test after every theme, plugin or design change, and at least once a month.
Why does my GTmetrix score change each time?
Server response, network conditions and background tasks vary between runs, so small changes are normal.
Does the GTmetrix grade affect SEO?
Not directly. Google uses real-user Core Web Vitals as part of its page experience signals.
What is a good GTmetrix result?
An A or B is a sensible target, but passing Core Web Vitals matters more.
Conclusion
A GTmetrix test is easy to run: enter the URL, read the Summary, check the Structure audits and use the waterfall to find slow files. Fix one issue at a time and re-test, and cross-check with our free page speed checker.
