Moz page authority is a 1–100 score developed by Moz that predicts how likely a specific webpage is to rank in search engine results. Because it correlates closely with actual ranking performance, it has become one of the most widely referenced third-party SEO metrics available today.
What Is Moz Page Authority?
Moz page authority (PA) is a proprietary metric calculated by Moz using a machine learning model trained on thousands of real search results. The score ranges from 1 to 100, and higher scores indicate stronger predicted ranking ability. Importantly, the scale is logarithmic — therefore, moving from 20 to 30 is far easier than moving from 70 to 80.
The metric evaluates a single URL, not an entire website. For example, a blog post and a product page on the same domain will each carry their own individual PA score. As a result, PA gives you granular insight that broader domain-level metrics simply cannot provide.
According to PageRank principles on Wikipedia, link-based scoring systems have been foundational to search since Google’s earliest days. Moz page authority builds on that same philosophy, translating link data into a single actionable number.
A typical Moz page authority score display alongside supporting link metrics in a reporting dashboard.
How the Score Is Calculated
Moz calculates page authority primarily from link data collected by its own web crawler. The model weighs dozens of signals, though backlink quality and quantity remain the dominant inputs. Specifically, links from pages with high PA scores pass more equity than links from low-authority pages.
Additionally, the total number of unique root domains linking to a page matters considerably. A page with 50 links from 50 different domains will generally outperform a page with 50 links from a single domain. Moz’s model is periodically recalibrated, which means scores can shift even without any changes to your own link profile.
Page Authority vs. Domain Authority: Key Differences
Many SEOs confuse page authority with domain authority (DA). However, the two metrics serve different purposes. Domain authority evaluates the ranking strength of an entire website, while page authority focuses exclusively on one URL.
In practice, a site can have a high DA yet contain individual pages with low PA scores — particularly newer pages that have not yet earned backlinks. Conversely, a single viral page can achieve a high PA even on a domain with modest overall authority. For competitive analysis, therefore, comparing PA scores at the page level gives you the most accurate picture.
Quick Reference: PA Score Ranges
| Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 1 – 20 | New or rarely linked page |
| 21 – 40 | Developing authority |
| 41 – 60 | Competitive mid-range |
| 61 – 80 | Strong authority |
| 81 – 100 | Exceptional — top-tier pages |
Five Proven Ways to Increase Your Score
Because backlinks drive the metric, your improvement strategy should center on earning high-quality links. However, several supporting tactics also make a meaningful difference. Below are five approaches that consistently produce results.
1. Earn Backlinks From High-PA Pages
The single most effective way to raise PA is to acquire links from pages that already carry strong authority scores. Guest posting, digital PR, and resource link building are all reliable methods. Focus on relevance first — a link from a topically related page carries more weight than a random high-PA link.
2. Build a Diverse Backlink Profile
Moz’s model rewards diversity. Therefore, aim to acquire links from a wide range of unique root domains rather than accumulating many links from a handful of sources. Diversification signals natural link growth, which the algorithm interprets positively.
3. Optimize Internal Linking
Internal links distribute link equity across your own site. As a result, linking from your highest-PA pages to newer or lower-authority pages can meaningfully lift those pages over time. Use descriptive anchor text and ensure the linking context is genuinely relevant.
4. Remove or Disavow Toxic Links
Low-quality or spammy backlinks can drag down your PA score. Although Moz’s model attempts to discount bad links, removing or disavowing them through Google’s Disavow Tool is still a sound practice. Regularly audit your backlink profile using Moz Link Explorer or a comparable tool.
5. Create Link-Worthy Content
Original research, comprehensive guides, free tools, and data-driven studies naturally attract links. In contrast, thin or duplicate content rarely earns organic backlinks. Investing in content quality is ultimately the most sustainable path to a higher PA score.
Five core tactics for improving your Moz page authority score over time through strategic link building and content investment.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Score
Many site owners unknowingly suppress their PA scores through avoidable errors. First, over-relying on links from a single domain creates an unnatural profile that Moz’s model devalues. Second, ignoring broken backlinks means lost equity — links pointing to 404 pages contribute nothing to your score.
Additionally, using excessive nofollow tags on internal links can prevent equity from flowing to important pages. Meanwhile, purchasing bulk links from link farms is not only ineffective but can trigger penalties in Google’s algorithm, compounding the damage beyond just a lower PA score.
How to Track and Use PA in Your SEO Strategy
The best way to monitor PA is through Moz Link Explorer, which provides free limited lookups. For ongoing tracking, you can also integrate PA data into broader SEO reporting workflows.
In practice, PA is most valuable as a comparative tool rather than an absolute measure. Use it to benchmark your pages against competitors targeting the same keywords. If a competing page has a PA of 55 and yours sits at 32, you have a clear link-building target to close that gap. Resources like RankAuthority provide additional guidance on interpreting and acting on PA data within a broader SEO framework.
Furthermore, PA helps you prioritize internal linking decisions. When you know which pages on your site carry the most authority, you can direct that equity strategically toward pages you want to rank higher.
Comparing Moz page authority scores between competing URLs reveals the link-building gap needed to improve rankings.
The Bottom Line on Moz Page Authority
Understanding moz page authority gives you a practical, data-driven lens for evaluating and improving a page’s competitive position in search. Although it is not a Google ranking factor, it reliably reflects the link strength that does influence real rankings. Therefore, tracking it consistently and using it to guide your link-building and content strategy will translate into measurable SEO gains over time.
Focus on earning diverse, high-quality backlinks, optimizing your internal link structure, and producing genuinely link-worthy content. In doing so, your PA score will rise as a natural byproduct of sound SEO practice — not as an end goal in itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moz Page Authority
What is Moz page authority?
Moz page authority is a 1–100 score that predicts how likely a specific webpage is to rank in search engine results. It is calculated by Moz using a machine learning model that analyzes dozens of link-based signals. Higher scores indicate stronger predicted ranking potential.
What is a good Moz page authority score?
Scores between 40 and 60 are generally considered competitive for most pages. Scores above 60 are strong, and anything above 80 is exceptional. However, what counts as “good” depends heavily on your niche and the PA scores of competing pages.
How is page authority different from domain authority?
Page authority measures the ranking strength of a single URL, while domain authority measures the strength of an entire website. Both use a 1–100 scale and are Moz metrics, but they serve different analytical purposes.
Does Google use Moz page authority as a ranking factor?
No, Google does not use Moz page authority in its ranking algorithm. It is a third-party metric created by Moz to approximate ranking potential. However, because it is based on link signals, it correlates with real ranking performance.
How can I check my page authority score?
You can check your PA score for free using Moz Link Explorer at moz.com/link-explorer. Enter any URL to see its current score. Moz also offers a browser extension that displays PA scores directly in search results.
How long does it take to improve page authority?
Improving PA typically takes several weeks to a few months. The pace depends on how quickly you earn new backlinks and how frequently Moz recrawls its link index. Consistent link-building efforts will produce gradual, sustained gains.
What factors influence Moz page authority?
The primary factor is the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to that specific page. Linking domain diversity, the PA of linking pages, and internal link equity all contribute as well. Content quality itself is not a direct input, but it drives link acquisition.
Why did my page authority score drop suddenly?
Sudden drops most often occur when Moz recalibrates its scoring model or updates its link index. Lost backlinks, competitor link gains, or a model refresh can all cause score changes. Check your backlink profile for recently lost links as a first step.
Can a page have high authority without many backlinks?
It is unlikely, since backlinks are the dominant signal. However, a small number of extremely high-authority backlinks from top-tier domains can produce a surprisingly strong PA score even for pages with a modest total link count.
Should I use page authority to compare competitor pages?
Yes, PA is particularly useful for competitive benchmarking at the page level. Comparing your page’s score against competing URLs for the same keyword reveals the link-building investment needed to become competitive in that search result.
Does internal linking affect page authority?
Yes, internal links distribute link equity across your site. Linking from high-PA pages to lower-PA pages helps pass authority and can gradually improve scores. Use descriptive anchor text and ensure links are contextually relevant.
What is the difference between page authority and PageRank?
PageRank is Google’s original internal link-scoring algorithm, while page authority is Moz’s independent metric designed to approximate similar concepts. They share the same philosophical foundation — links as votes — but are entirely separate systems with different calculations.
