PageRank (PR)
Google’s algorithm for evaluating page importance based on link quantity and quality.
PageRank (PR) is an algorithm developed by Larry Page and Sergey Brin at Stanford University that formed the foundation of the Google search engine. It evaluates the importance of a web page based on links: the more high‑quality links point to a page, the higher its PageRank. Although the public toolbar PageRank was retired in 2016, the algorithm continues to be used internally by Google.
What is PageRank
PageRank is an iterative algorithm that ranks pages inside a link graph. The idea: a link from one page to another is considered a vote. The more weight the voting page has, the more valuable its vote.
How it works
Formula (simplified): PR(A) = (1-d) + d * (PR(B)/C(B) + PR(C)/C(C) + ...)
d — damping factor (usually 0.85). PR(B) — PageRank of page B, C(B) — number of outbound links from page B. Weight is distributed evenly from donor to acceptor across all links on the page.
Why PageRank still matters
- Even though Google no longer shows PR in the toolbar, the algorithm is still used internally as one of hundreds of ranking factors.
- All modern SEO metrics (Domain Rating, Trust Flow, Citation Flow) model PageRank ideas to varying degrees.
- Understanding link weight flow helps build effective internal linking structures.
Common questions
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