Page Authority
Page Authority (PA) is Moz’s page-level score that predicts how likely a specific URL is to rank in search results.
Key takeaways
- PA is a page-level metric from Moz, not a Google ranking factor.
- Use it to compare ranking potential of individual pages on the same topic.
- PA is influenced by backlink quantity and quality.
- Do not use PA in isolation; combine with content relevance and technical SEO checks.
- Check PA via Moz Link Explorer or other SEO tools that integrate Moz data.
Use PA as a comparative tool to gauge the relative ranking potential of individual pages.
Example
- You have two blog posts on 'best running shoes':
- Post A has a PA of 45.
- Post B has a PA of 62.
- All else being equal, Post B has a higher predicted ranking potential.
- You can prioritize link-building or internal linking to Post A to close the gap.
When should I use this?
- Compare competing pages: Evaluate which of your pages (or competitors' pages) has stronger ranking potential.
- Prioritize link building: Focus efforts on pages with lower PA that you want to boost.
- Inform internal linking: Strengthen pages with high PA by linking to lower-PA pages.
- Track progress: Monitor PA changes over time after link-building campaigns.
What it is not
- A Google ranking factor: PA is a third-party estimate, not used by Google.
- An absolute quality score: It is relative and context-dependent.
- A substitute for content relevance: High PA does not guarantee ranking if the page does not match search intent.
- A replacement for technical SEO checks: PA ignores page speed, mobile-friendliness, and structured data.
Quick start
- Go to Moz Link Explorer.
- Enter the URL you want to check.
- Look for the 'Page Authority' score in the results.
- Compare PA scores of competing pages on the same topic.
- Use the comparison to prioritize link-building or internal linking efforts.
Common mistakes
- Treating PA as a Google metric: Remember it is a third-party estimate, not a ranking signal.
- Comparing PA across unrelated topics: PA is relative; compare pages on the same topic or competing URLs.
- Focusing on PA alone: Ignore the actual number and quality of linking root domains at your own risk.
- Using PA as a substitute for content relevance: High PA does not mean the page matches search intent or is technically optimized.
Next step
FAQ
Is Page Authority a Google ranking factor?
No. PA is a third-party metric developed by Moz. Google does not use it in its ranking algorithm.
How is Page Authority different from Domain Authority?
PA is page-specific; DA applies to an entire domain. A page can have a high PA even if the domain has a low DA, and vice versa.
What is a good Page Authority score?
There is no universal 'good' score. PA is relative: compare pages on the same topic or competing URLs. A score of 50+ is often considered strong, but context matters.
Related topics
Sources
- Moz — Primary source for the definition, scale, and intended use of Page Authority.
- Google Search Central — Best reference for distinguishing Moz’s third-party metric from Google’s own guidance on ranking and links.
- HubSpot — Clear practitioner-oriented explanation that PA is third-party and page-specific.
- Semrush — Useful secondary explanation of how PA is interpreted and what typically influences it.
Reviewed by Lucía Marín, Founding editor.