Finding the sweet spot for keyword usage is a cornerstone of effective SEO. You want to use your target terms enough to show search engines what your page is about, but not so much that your content becomes repetitive or, worse, gets flagged for keyword stuffing .
To help you with this, we've identified the best free and freemium tools to check your keyword frequency and density. Whether you prefer a simple online tool, a browser extension, or a plugin that integrates with your website, there's an option here for you.
### ???? The Best Free Keyword Frequency & Density Tools
Here are the top tools to help you analyze your content, each with its own strengths.
| Tool Name | Best For | Key Features | Pricing | Link |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Keywords Everywhere** | On-the-go competitor analysis | Browser extension (Chrome). On-Page Analysis feature for any URL, lists keywords with density. Also provides traffic & SEO metrics . | Freemium | [Visit Tool](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/keywords-everywhere-keywo/hbapdpeemoojbophdfndmlgdhppljgmp) |
| **SEO Review Tools** | Quick, no-frills checks | Analyze by URL or pasted text. Breaks down 1, 2, and 3-word phrases with counts and density. No sign-up required . | Free | [Visit Tool](https://www.seoreviewtools.com/keyword-density-checker/) |
| **Small SEO Tools** | Detailed phrase & metadata analysis | Analyzes 1 to 4-word phrases. Checks keyword placement in titles, meta descriptions, and headers. Shows a top keywords list . | Free (ad-supported) | [Visit Tool](https://smallseotools.com/keyword-density-checker/) |
| **WPBeginner** | Simple standalone checks | Analyze by URL or pasted text. Results are organized by the number of words in the keyword phrase, making it easy to locate your target term . | Free | [Visit Tool](https://www.wpbeginner.com/tools/keyword-density-checker/) |
| **Plerdy** | In-depth text statistics | Analyze by URL or pasted text. Provides detailed stats: total/unique words, stop words, readability score, and metadata analysis (title, H1, alt text) . | Free | [Visit Tool](https://www.plerdy.com/keyword-density-checker/) |
| **Scalenut** | Following best-practice guidelines | Simple URL/text input. Offers tips on best practices (1-2% density) and using LSI keywords to avoid stuffing . | Free | [Visit Tool](https://www.scalenut.com/seo-tools/keyword-density-checker) |
| **AppTweak** | App Store Optimization (ASO) | Specifically designed for analyzing Google Play Store app descriptions. Paste text to get keyword count and density . | Free | [Visit Tool](https://www.apptweak.com/en/free-tools/keyword-counter) |
### ????️ For WordPress Users: In-Editor SEO Analysis
If your website runs on WordPress, plugins offer the most convenient way to check keyword density and optimize your content as you write.
- **All in One SEO (AIOSEO)**: This popular plugin, trusted by over 3 million users, allows you to add a "Focus Keyphrase" to your post. It then provides a real-time report showing the keyword's density and the exact number of times it appears, right inside the WordPress editor. This helps you quickly adjust your content without switching between tabs .
- **Rank Math**: Another top-tier WordPress SEO plugin, Rank Math offers a similar feature. As you write, it analyzes your primary and secondary keywords and provides real-time feedback on their density, recommending an optimal range (typically between 1% and 1.5%) to help you avoid over-optimization .
### ???? How to Use Keyword Density Tools Effectively
It's important to remember that keyword density is a guideline, not a strict ranking factor. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- **Don't Chase a Magic Number**: Google's algorithms are sophisticated and prioritize natural language and user intent. There is no perfect percentage that guarantees a top ranking .
- **Follow General Best Practices**: Most experts recommend aiming for a keyword density of around **1% to 2%** . This typically means using your primary keyword once or twice for every 100 words, ensuring it sounds natural .
- **Focus on Topics and Related Terms**: Instead of obsessing over a single keyword, ensure your content covers a topic comprehensively. Use related keywords and synonyms (sometimes called LSI keywords) to build topical relevance and make your content more engaging for readers .
- **Check Keyword Placement**: The location of your keywords matters. Use these tools to confirm your primary keyword appears in important areas like the **page title, meta description, H1 and H2 headings, and the first paragraph** .
- **Avoid Keyword Stuffing**: If a checker flags a keyword at a very high density (e.g., over 3-4%), your content may be at risk of sounding spammy. Use this as a signal to rewrite sections more naturally .
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect tool for your workflow. Are you more focused on quick online checks for competitor analysis, or would you prefer a plugin that integrates directly into your content editor? Knowing your preference could help me provide more tailored advice.