Page Load Time
The time required for a webpage to fully display in a user's browser.
Definition
Page load time measures how long it takes for a webpage to fully render in a user's browser—from initial request to complete visual display and interactivity. Multiple factors affect load time: server response, file sizes, number of requests, render-blocking resources, and client-side processing.
Load time is typically measured through various metrics: Time to First Byte (TTFB), First Contentful Paint (FCP), Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), and Time to Interactive (TTI), each capturing different aspects of the loading experience.
Why It Matters
Page load time directly impacts user experience, conversion rates, and search rankings. Studies consistently show that slower sites lose visitors—each second of delay reduces conversions. Google uses load time signals in ranking algorithms.
Optimizing load time delivers compounding returns across all traffic sources and user interactions.
Examples in Practice
A site reduces page load time from 6 seconds to 2 seconds, increasing conversion rate by 25% and improving search rankings.
A mobile optimization focus cuts load time on slower connections, dramatically reducing bounce rates from mobile traffic.
A performance audit reveals render-blocking scripts that simple changes eliminate, improving load time without major development.