Email subject line tester
Score a subject line and see it in an inbox. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Your score
0 out of 100.
The score counts checks passed. It doesn't predict opens.
Your name
Don't miss out!! Our BIGGEST sale ends tonight ๐
Your name
Don't miss out!! Our BIGGEST sale ends tonight ๐
How the score works
Each of the seven checks earns its full points when it passes, half when it's so-so, and none when it misses. The points add up to 100. It's a checklist, not a forecast: a line can score 100 and still not get opened if the email isn't one people want.
| Check | Points | Full points | Half points | No points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 20 | 15 to 50 characters | 6 to 14, or 51 to 80 | Under 6 or over 80 |
| Flagged phrases | 25 | None | One | Two or more, or a fake "Re:" or "Fwd:" |
| Capitals | 15 | No words in all caps | One word of 4+ letters | Two or more, or a shouted line |
| Punctuation | 15 | Up to 1 "!" | 2 "!" | More, or runs like !!, ?! or $$ |
| Emoji | 10 | Up to 1 | 2 | More, or emoji only |
| Personalization | 5 | No merge tag, or one with a fallback | A tag whose fallback is set elsewhere | A tag with no fallback |
| Preview text | 10 | 30 to 110 characters that add to the subject | Empty, shorter or longer | Repeats the subject |
What each check is for
Length. Phones show roughly the first 30 to 45 characters, so put the words that say what's inside first. Merge tags count as the name "Alex".
Flagged phrases. Inboxes judge your sending reputation far more than your words, but hype reads as spam to the people deciding whether to open. The list is short on purpose; everyday words like "sale" aren't on it. A fake "Re:" or "Fwd:" also scores zero, because the US CAN-SPAM Act forbids misleading subject lines.
Capitals and punctuation. One capitalized word can add emphasis; more reads as shouting. Words under 4 letters, like USA, don't count. One "!" is fine; "!!!" or "$$$" looks like junk.
Emoji. One can help, but some apps show a box instead, so the line has to work without it.
Personalization. A merge tag with no fallback turns "Hi {{ first_name }}" into "Hi ," for anyone without a
name. In EmailFig, {{ contact.first_name | default: "there" }} shows "there" instead.
Preview text. Leave it empty and inboxes show your email's first words, often "View in browser". Use it to add what the subject didn't have room for, not to repeat it.
The flagged phrases
Money claims
"free money", "make money", "earn extra cash", "extra income", "cash bonus", "double your income", "million dollars", "pure profit", "100% free", "no fees", "no cost", "lowest price"
Pressure
"act now", "act immediately", "urgent", "don't delete", "open immediately", "do it today", "while supplies last", "what are you waiting for", "once in a lifetime", "call now", "order now"
Too good to be true
"risk-free", "risk free", "no strings attached", "no catch", "100% guaranteed", "guaranteed", "you have been selected", "you're a winner", "you have won", "congratulations", "miracle", "this isn't spam", "not spam", "click here", "dear friend"
Looks like a scam
"verify your account", "account suspended", "confirm your password", "final notice", "unclaimed"
Subject line questions
How long should an email subject line be?
Aim for 15 to 50 characters. Phones show roughly the first 30 to 45 characters of a subject, so put the words that matter first. Longer lines still send fine, they just get cut.
Do spam trigger words send my email to spam?
Rarely on their own. Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo decide mostly on your sending reputation, authentication and how people engage with your mail. Stacked hype like "FREE!!! Act now" is still worth avoiding, because it reads as spam to the people deciding whether to open.
Can this tool predict my open rate?
No, and no tool can from the subject alone. Open rates depend on who you send to, your reputation, timing and privacy features that inflate or hide opens. The score counts how many of the checks below your line passes, nothing more.