How long should a eBay description be?
eBay's title is limited to 80 characters, so the description carries the detail the title cannot. Keep it factual and compact, around 100 to 250 words, and put condition and what is included first.
The title limit this tool uses for eBay is 80 characters. Condition, specifics and what is included first; keep it factual.
How to structure a eBay description
- State the condition and any flaws up front, then what is included in the sale.
- List measurements, model numbers and compatibility, matching your item specifics.
- Close with shipping, handling time and return details in plain language.
What to avoid on eBay
- Active content such as JavaScript or embedded forms, which eBay does not allow in listings.
- Links that send buyers off eBay, or contact details in the description.
- Describing condition more favourably than the item specifics say, which drives returns and disputes.
Keywords on eBay
eBay's search weights the title and item specifics most. Use the description to repeat the exact model names, part numbers and brand terms buyers search, so a shopper who lands on the page sees them confirmed.
About these rules
The eBay guidance on this page reflects the marketplace's published seller advice as of November 2026. Marketplaces change their rules, so confirm anything that could get a listing suppressed in the eBay seller documentation before you publish.
Frequently asked questions
How long can an eBay title and description be?
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The title is capped at 80 characters. The description has far more room, but short factual copy of 100 to 250 words reads best, especially on the eBay mobile app.
What should an eBay description say first?
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Condition and what is included. Buyers scan for those two facts before anything else, and stating flaws clearly up front reduces returns and 'not as described' cases.
Can I use HTML in an eBay description?
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eBay accepts basic HTML formatting in descriptions but does not allow active content such as JavaScript. Keep layouts simple so they display well on phones.
Do eBay descriptions help search ranking?
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The title and item specifics matter most for search. The description supports conversion and confirms the details buyers look for, so make sure it matches your item specifics exactly.
Marketplace rules checked November 2026. Confirm against eBay's current seller documentation before publishing.