HTML Headings

What Are HTML Headings?

HTML provides six levels of heading tags, ranging from <h1> to <h6>. These headings are used to format and organize textual content according to its significance.

Example – Basic HTML Heading Structure

Output Overview

• This code displays six headings in descending order of importance.
• <h1> appears as the largest and most prominent.
• <h6> is the smallest and least emphasized.
• Note: HTML tags are not case-sensitive, but it is best practice to write all tags, including heading tags, in lowercase for consistency.

Understanding Heading Levels in HTML

HTML headings are designed to represent a logical content hierarchy. Each level has a specific role in defining sections of a webpage:

<h1> – Primary Heading

• Represents the main title or subject of the page.
• Best practice: Use only one <h1> tag per page to clarify the central topic.
• Search engines prioritize <h1> to understand page intent.

<h2> – Section Heading

• Used to introduce major sections under the main heading.
• Typically used to divide content into key areas or topics.

<h3> to <h6> – Subsections

• <h3>: Subsection of an <h2> heading.
• <h4> to <h6>: Additional layers of subtopics with decreasing importance.
• Used to create a nested content structure that is easy to navigate.

Customizing Headings with Style

You can style heading elements using the style attribute or external CSS.

Example – Styling Headings Inline:

Explanation:

• The second <h1> uses the style attribute to change the font size.
• font-size: 50px makes the heading text 50 pixels in height.
• It’s recommended to use CSS classes or stylesheets for better maintainability instead of inline styles.

Best Practices for HTML Headings

1. Use One <h1> Per Page

• The <h1> should represent the main subject or goal of the page.
• Avoid using multiple <h1> tags, as it can confuse both users and search engines.

2. Follow a Logical Hierarchy

• Structure content using heading levels in order: <h1> → <h2> → <h3> → <h4> → <h5> → <h6>
• Avoid skipping levels (e.g., from <h1> to <h4>) unless there is a clear design or accessibility reason.

3. Keep Headings Descriptive

• Headings should clearly reflect the topic of the section they introduce.
• Avoid vague headings like “Introduction” or “Info” unless they are contextually clear.

4. Don’t Use Headings for Styling

• Use headings to structure content, not just to make text bold or large.
• For styling text (e.g., font size or color), use CSS or the style attribute.

✅ Key Takeaway

HTML heading tags play a vital role in defining the structure and hierarchy of content on a webpage. By using <h1> through <h6> effectively, you ensure that your page is:

• Readable and easy to navigate for users
• Optimized for search engines
• Accessible for screen readers and assistive technologies

Implementing headings with care promotes better UX (user experience), SEO performance, and code clarity—essential for modern web development.