Long-time SEO professionals remember the days when a small green bar in the browser toolbar showed a page's Google PageRank on a scale from zero to ten. Browser extensions like SEOquake made checking PageRank fast and convenient, and many marketers based link-building decisions on it. Today, people still ask whether SEOquake shows PageRank. The answer is no, at least not Google's actual PageRank, because Google stopped publicly sharing PageRank data in 2016. SEOquake now displays alternative metrics, mainly from Semrush. This article explains what happened to PageRank, what SEOquake offers today, and how to evaluate authority in modern SEO.
How AAMAX.CO Measures What Really Matters in SEO
AAMAX.CO is a full-service digital marketing company offering web development, digital marketing, and SEO services worldwide. Their specialists use modern SEO tools and first-party data from Google Search Console and Analytics to evaluate site performance accurately. Instead of relying on outdated metrics, they analyze relevance, organic traffic, and conversion potential to guide strategy. Businesses that want data-driven search engine optimization grounded in current best practices can rely on them for clear insights and measurable progress.
What Was Google PageRank?
PageRank was the original algorithm developed by Google's founders to measure the importance of web pages based on the quantity and quality of links pointing to them. A link from an important page passed more value than a link from an obscure one. For years, Google displayed a simplified PageRank score publicly through the Google Toolbar, which tools like SEOquake could access.
Why Google Stopped Showing PageRank
Google stopped updating Toolbar PageRank in 2013 and officially retired public PageRank in 2016. The public score had become a target for manipulation, fueling link buying and spam as people chased higher numbers. Google also uses hundreds of signals for ranking, so a single score oversimplified how search works. Importantly, Google still uses PageRank-like link analysis internally, but the data is no longer public.
What Does SEOquake Show Today?
SEOquake, a free browser extension developed by Semrush, now provides a variety of on-page and off-page metrics, many powered by Semrush data. Common features include:
- SEObar: A toolbar showing key metrics for the page you are visiting, such as Semrush Rank, backlink counts, and indexed pages.
- SERP overlay: Metrics displayed directly beneath each search result for quick competitive analysis.
- Page SEO audit: Checks for title tags, meta descriptions, headings, images, and mobile compatibility.
- Keyword density: Analysis of words and phrases on a page.
- Internal and external links: Lists of all links on the page with attributes.
- Social metrics: Basic social sharing information where available.
- Data export: Export SERP data and metrics to CSV files.
Some metrics require a Semrush account for full access, and available parameters can change, so check the extension settings to customize what you see.
Alternatives to PageRank
Since PageRank is no longer public, SEO tools developed their own authority metrics based on their own link indexes:
- Semrush Authority Score: Combines backlink quality, organic traffic, and spam signals.
- Ahrefs Domain Rating and URL Rating: Measure backlink profile strength at domain and page level.
- Moz Domain Authority and Page Authority: Predict ranking potential based on link data.
- Majestic Trust Flow and Citation Flow: Measure link trustworthiness and quantity.
None of these are used by Google, and each tool calculates scores differently. They are best used for comparing sites within the same tool rather than as absolute truths.
Beware of Fake PageRank Checkers
Some websites still claim to show Google PageRank. Since Google no longer provides this data, these tools either show outdated scores or invent their own estimates under the PageRank name. Do not base decisions on these numbers.
How to Evaluate Website Authority Today
Instead of relying on a single score, evaluate websites using multiple factors:
- Organic traffic trends: Is the site gaining or losing search visibility?
- Relevance: Does the site cover topics related to your industry?
- Backlink quality: Are links coming from reputable, relevant sources?
- Content quality: Is the content original, accurate, and useful?
- Brand reputation: Is the site recognized and trusted in its field?
Is SEOquake Still Worth Using?
Yes. SEOquake remains a handy tool for quick on-page audits, SERP analysis, and link inspection directly in the browser. It is especially useful for spotting basic issues on competitor pages, comparing search results at a glance, and exporting SERP data. Just understand that its metrics are third-party estimates, not Google's internal assessments.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of SEOquake
To use SEOquake efficiently, customize the parameters shown in the SEObar and SERP overlay so you only see the metrics you need, which keeps the interface clean and fast. Disable the overlay when you are browsing casually, since loading metrics for every search can slow your browser. Use the page audit feature on competitor pages to quickly compare title lengths, heading structures, and mobile readiness. Finally, combine SEOquake insights with first-party data from Google Search Console to validate any assumptions before making strategic decisions.
Conclusion
SEOquake no longer shows Google PageRank because Google retired public PageRank data in 2016. Today, the extension provides Semrush-powered metrics, on-page audits, and SERP overlays that remain valuable for quick analysis. While Google still uses link analysis internally, modern SEO depends on evaluating relevance, quality, and real traffic rather than a single score. Use tools like SEOquake as helpful guides, and focus your strategy on creating value that earns genuine authority.
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