Google Maps: impact on page speed
Category: Map embed
An interactive Google Map loads the Maps JavaScript and map tiles as soon as it is rendered. On many sites it sits in the footer or on a contact page where most visitors never interact with it.
On 3.2 % of the 5509 homepages measured, Google Maps is among the five heaviest third parties. Where it is, it takes a median of 160 ms of main-thread time; on the heaviest quarter of those sites it takes 212 ms or more.
3.2 %
of homepages: among the five heaviest third parties
160 ms
median main-thread time
212 ms
main-thread time on the heaviest quarter (p75)
371 KB
median transfer size
Distribution across homepages
Percentiles across 179 homepages with Google Maps.
| Percentile | Main-thread time | Transfer size |
|---|---|---|
| p25 |
116 ms
|
218 KB |
| Median |
160 ms
|
371 KB |
| p75 |
212 ms
|
386 KB |
| p90 |
287 ms
|
395 KB |
In context
By median main-thread time, Google Maps ranks 23rd of 72 third parties in the benchmark, lighter than TikTok and heavier than Google/Doubleclick Ads.
On 15 % of the homepages where it appears, Google Maps alone uses 250 milliseconds of main-thread time or more, the mark from which Lighthouse flags third-party code.
Homepages with Google Maps weigh 5.4 MB at the median (JavaScript: 2.0 MB), homepages without it 4.2 MB (JavaScript: 1.5 MB).
Often loaded together with
Share of homepages with Google Maps where the other tool is also among the five heaviest third parties.
- Google Tag Manager 72 %
- Facebook 32 %
- Google CDN 21 %
How to spot Google Maps on your page
The Maps JavaScript API loads from maps.googleapis.com, on some sites through the older maps.google.com address, and fetches the map data from there. Store locators that need search and markers justify the interactive map; a single address in the footer usually does not. A static image of the location with a link to Google Maps gives visitors the same information without loading the map engine.
How to reduce the impact of Google Maps
- Show a static map image that links to Google Maps, or load the interactive map only on click.
- Load maps further down the page only when they scroll into view.
- Remove maps from templates where they appear on every page.
Frequently asked questions
How can I load Google Maps with less impact?
Show a static map image that links to Google Maps, or load the interactive map only on click. Load maps further down the page only when they scroll into view.
Does Google Maps affect Core Web Vitals?
An embedded Google Map is heavy for its size: the interactive map loads tiles, fonts and a large JavaScript bundle. On a contact or location page where the map is visible without scrolling it can delay LCP, and its scripts weigh on INP. A map container without a fixed height shifts everything below it once the map renders.
Method and sample: Third-Party Benchmark.