What is Total Blocking Time (TBT) and How Can it Help Improve UX?

What is TBT (Total Blocking Time)?

Total Blocking Time (TBT) is a performance metric used to measure the amount of time it takes for a page to load fully. It is defined as the amount of time it takes for the browser to download all of the content necessary to display the full page – this includes all web page materials such as HTML, CSS, images, and scripts.

TBT can be used to identify potential issues with page loading times, allowing website owners to address them quickly. By reducing TBT, website owners can improve user experience and make their website more attractive to potential visitors.

How to Measure TBT

TBT can be measured by analyzing a page’s source code in the browser’s Console. The Console tab will display all of the resources required to display the page, as well as the loading time for each resource. The total blocking time can be calculated by adding together the load times for each resource.

It is important to note that different factors can affect load time, such as internet connection speed and the size of the resources. Therefore, it is important to monitor TBT regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Using TBT to Optimize Performance

Once the TBT has been measured, website owners can take steps to optimize the page’s performance. This includes reducing the size and number of resources, minifying the code, caching web pages, and leveraging Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).

By optimizing TBT, website owners can ensure faster page loading times, resulting in improved user experience and higher engagement rates for their website.