Google Review Calculator
Use this Google review calculator to find how many additional 5-star reviews you need to hit your desired star rating.
Google Review Calculator
The calculation works by first determining the total sum of your current review scores (current rating × current number of reviews). Then, the formula calculates how many additional 5-star reviews are needed to increase this sum enough to achieve the desired average rating, factoring in the weight of each new 5-star review. The result is rounded up to ensure the target is met.
Note: Google rounds up to the nearest tenth. For example, if you have a 4.9 star rating and generate enough additional 5-star reviews to average a 4.95 star rating, Google will round up to display a star rating of 5.0 on your business profile.
The calculator automatically takes this into consideration.
How Many Google Reviews Do I Need?
You’ll want to have at least 10-20 Google reviews to establish a baseline of credibility and get an initial boost in search visibility. However, how many Google reviews you need to rank will ultimately depend on the competition level of your niche.
The Importance of Google Reviews
Google reviews play a critical role in local SEO by influencing both rankings and user trust. Here’s why they are a key element for any local search campaign:
📈 Ranking Signal: Google reviews contribute to local search rankings, as they signal relevance, quality, and trustworthiness to Google’s algorithm. Businesses with more positive reviews and higher ratings often rank higher in local search and Google Maps.
🌐 Click-Through Rates (CTR): Positive reviews and high star ratings can attract more clicks from searchers, increasing visibility and engagement, which can further improve SEO performance.
📣 Social Proof: Reviews act as endorsements, building trust and credibility with potential customers. A business with strong reviews is more likely to convert searchers into leads or customers.
📚 Keyword Relevance: Review content often contains keywords naturally, which can aid SEO efforts by associating the business with relevant search terms, especially if the reviews are included on relevant webpages. Additionally, Google will feature specific reviews for relevant searches, which can help your profile stand out and capture more clicks and calls.
📍 Local Pack Optimization: Reviews are a significant factor in appearing in the coveted “Local 3-Pack” on Google, driving more traffic and leads.
Generating and managing reviews is essential for enhancing both rankings and customer trust in local SEO strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s a good star rating? Is a 4.5 star rating good?
Google attempts to show the “best” local businesses in search results, meaning that if you have the highest star rating and review count, your business is likely to receive more visibility in search results. If your top competitors in local search all have 4.8+ star rating and you have a 4.5, then you may want to consider generating more positive reviews to your business profile.
To get more reviews, you can send satisfied customers your Google review link to prompt a review.
How many 5 star reviews do I need to negate a 1 star review?
To negate a 1-star review, generally 10 to 20 new 5-star reviews are needed depending on your current star rating and total number of Google reviews. You can use the calculator above to better understand how many additional reviews you will need to obtain your target star rating.
Can I get a 1-star review removed?
Yes, it is possible to remove a 1-star review, especially if it violates Google’s guidelines. You can learn more with this guide on how to remove negative Google reviews.