Guide · 13 min read · Updated October 2026
How Do You Validate Structured Data Free and Fast?
How do you validate structured data?
To validate structured data, test it at three levels: valid JSON syntax, correct Schema.org types and properties, and the fields Google needs for a rich result. A page can pass one level and fail another, which is why one quick test is not always enough.
Broken structured data rarely breaks a page you can see. It fails silently. The rich result never appears, or Search Console fills up with invalid item warnings, and nobody notices for months.
This guide explains what structured data is, which tools test it, how schema validation works, and how to fix the common errors with the free schema checker.
Key takeaways
- Structured data is code, usually JSON-LD, that describes a page's content to search engines.
- Validate syntax, then Schema.org rules, then Google rich result requirements.
- Google's Rich Results Test checks Google features. The Schema Markup Validator checks Schema.org rules.
- Invalid items usually mean a missing required field or a wrong value type.
- A JSON-LD schema validator checks pasted code in your browser or a live URL.
What Is Structured Data in SEO?
Structured data is a standard way to describe what a page is about, in code that search engines can read, usually JSON-LD using the Schema.org vocabulary. For a local business it can state the name, address, phone, hours and services in a form machines understand.
Google uses structured data to understand pages and to show some rich results. Our schema markup guide explains the types that matter most for local sites.
How to Validate Structured Data: 3 Levels
Check syntax, then vocabulary, then Google features.
| Level | What it checks | Typical error |
|---|---|---|
| Syntax | Is it valid JSON? | Missing comma or quote |
| Schema.org | Do types and properties exist and fit? | Property not valid for this type |
| Google rich results | Are required fields present? | Missing field "address" |
Fix them in that order. A syntax error stops the other checks from running at all.
What Tool Can You Use to Test for Errors in Structured Data?
Google's Rich Results Test checks whether a page qualifies for Google rich results. The Schema Markup Validator at validator.schema.org checks Schema.org rules for any type. Search Console's Enhancements reports show errors across your whole site after Google crawls it.
The LocalSEOFlow schema checker adds a local business view on top: it checks LocalBusiness fields like address, phone, hours and geo, and points out what is missing for local search. Paste mode runs entirely in your browser. URL mode fetches a live page and allows 30 checks an hour.
Validate your JSON-LD
Paste code or enter a URL to check syntax, Schema.org rules and LocalBusiness fields. Free.
How to Check Structured Data on a Live Page Fast
Enter the URL in a validator that fetches the page, or view the page source and search for application/ld+json. If your schema is added by JavaScript, use a tool that renders the page, because the raw source may not show it.
How Do You Perform Schema Validation Step by Step?
- Copy the JSON-LD from your page or CMS.
- Paste it into a validator and fix any syntax errors.
- Fix property and type warnings.
- Add any required fields for the rich result you want.
- Publish, then test the live URL.
- Watch Search Console over the next few weeks.
How to Fix Structured Data Items Are Invalid in Search Console
Open the report, click the error type to see which field is wrong, fix it in the template that creates the schema, then click Validate fix. Invalid usually means a required field is missing or a value has the wrong format.
- Missing field. Add the property, for example address or name.
- Invalid value. Dates need ISO format like 2026-10-20. Prices need numbers, not text.
- Wrong type. A property used on a type that does not support it.
- Mismatch with the page. Schema must describe content visible on the page.
Local Business Schema Fields to Validate
For local businesses, check name, address, telephone, url, openingHours, geo and the correct LocalBusiness subtype. These must match your Business Profile and website footer exactly. Our NAP guide explains why.
If you need to build the schema from scratch, the schema markup builder creates valid LocalBusiness JSON-LD you can then validate here.
Frequently asked questions
What is structured data in SEO?
Code, usually JSON-LD with Schema.org types, that tells search engines what a page is about, such as a business name, address, hours or a product price.
What tool can you use to test for errors in structured data?
Google Rich Results Test for Google features, the Schema Markup Validator for Schema.org rules, Search Console for site wide errors, and a schema checker for local business fields.
How do you perform schema validation?
Check JSON syntax first, then Schema.org types and properties, then the required fields for the rich result you want. Test the live URL after publishing.
Does valid schema guarantee rich results?
No. Valid schema makes a page eligible. Google decides whether to show a rich result based on many factors.
Why does my schema pass one tool and fail another?
Tools check different levels. Schema.org validators check vocabulary, while Google tools check Google feature requirements, which are stricter for some types.