What is a Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)?

CLS is a performance metric Google uses to measure visual stability on websites built on platforms like WordPress.

In simple words, CLS checks:
Whether elements on your page jump or move while loading.

For example:

• You try to click a button, but it suddenly moves
• An image loads late and pushes text down
• Ads or banners appear and shift the layout

These movements create a poor user experience.

Why CLS happens:

• Images without proper size dimensions
• Ads or embedded content loading late
• Fonts loading after text appears
• Dynamic elements like sliders or popups

Good CLS score:

• 0.1 or less = Good
• 0.1–0.25 = Needs improvement
• Above 0.25 = Poor

Why it matters:

• Improves user experience and readability
• Prevents accidental clicks
• Helps SEO rankings and Core Web Vitals score