Average Position.

Average Position is the mean ranking of a URL for a particular query across all searches where it appeared during a given time period. Reported in Google Search Console (under Performance > Queries), it's calculated as the sum of all positions the URL appeared in divided by the number of appearances. A page averaging position 4.7 typically appears 4th or 5th in results.

Interpreting Average Position

Average position is an aggregate metric that can be misleading in isolation. A page averaging position 3.5 for a keyword might rank in positions 2 and 5 on different device types, locations, or query phrasings. It's more useful as a trend indicator than an absolute metric: if average position for target keywords is moving from 8 to 4 over three months, the SEO programme is working.

Average Position vs. Impressions and CTR

Average position should always be analysed alongside impressions and CTR. A keyword ranked in average position 1.3 with 500 impressions and 3% CTR might be suppressed by a Featured Snippet or AI Overview stealing clicks. Identifying these 'position 1, low CTR' situations reveals opportunities to optimise for SERP feature inclusion or title tag improvements.