Estimate your Google local pack rank from proximity, GBP optimization, reviews, citations, and domain authority. Model scenarios to improve your local 3-pack position.
The Google local pack (also called the 3-pack or map pack) displays three businesses prominently at the top of local search results alongside a map. Ranking in the local pack can drive 5–10x more clicks than appearing in standard organic results for local queries.
This estimator models the key ranking factors that determine local pack position: proximity to the searcher, Google Business Profile optimization, review profile (quantity and quality), citation consistency, and website authority. By scoring each factor and weighting them, the calculator estimates your likely local pack position range.
Local pack rankings are highly competitive because only three spots are available. Understanding the relative strength of each factor helps businesses identify the most impactful improvements. A business with excellent reviews but poor citations might gain more from fixing NAP consistency than from pursuing more reviews.
This analytical approach empowers marketing teams to run more efficient campaigns, reduce wasted ad spend, and continuously improve the customer acquisition funnel over time.
Ranking in the local 3-pack drives the majority of clicks for local searches. This estimator helps you understand which ranking factors are strongest and weakest, so you can focus your local SEO efforts where they'll have the biggest impact on achieving top-3 local visibility. Consistent measurement creates a reliable baseline for evaluating campaign effectiveness and justifying marketing spend to stakeholders and executive leadership teams.
Composite Score = 0.25 × Proximity + 0.20 × GBP + 0.25 × Reviews + 0.15 × Citations + 0.15 × Authority Each factor normalized to 0–100 Estimated Position from composite: 90+ = #1, 75–89 = Top 3, 60–74 = Positions 4–7, <60 = Below local pack
Result: Composite: 75 | Estimated Position: Top 3 (local pack)
Proximity: 4/5 × 100 = 80. GBP: 4/5 × 100 = 80. Reviews: (4.5/5 × 50) + min(50, 120/200 × 50) = 45 + 30 = 75. Citations: 3/5 × 100 = 60. Authority: min(100, 35) = 35. Composite: 0.25(80) + 0.20(80) + 0.25(75) + 0.15(60) + 0.15(35) = 20 + 16 + 18.75 + 9 + 5.25 = 69. Estimated range: positions 4–7. Improving citations and authority would push toward top 3.
Google's local pack algorithm considers hundreds of signals across three categories: Relevance (business category matching), Distance (proximity), and Prominence (reviews, citations, links, and GBP signals). This calculator simplifies these into five measurable factors that cover the primary ranking signals.
Your local pack position changes based on where the searcher is located. Geo-grid tools create a grid of virtual search points around your business and check your ranking at each point. This creates a heatmap showing your ranking radius — the area where you appear in the local pack.
To displace a competitor from the local pack: 1) Exceed their review count and rating. 2) Ensure your GBP is more complete with more photos and posts. 3) Build more consistent citations. 4) Create better local content on your website. 5) Earn local backlinks from community organizations and local media.
The local pack is the map-based listing of three businesses that appears at the top of Google search results for queries with local intent (e.g., "dentist near me"). It shows business name, rating, address, hours, and a link to directions. Being in the local pack drives significant clicks and calls.
Google limits the local pack to three results for usability and mobile optimization. On mobile, three results fill the screen without scrolling. Users can click "More places" to see additional results. This scarcity makes local pack ranking highly competitive and valuable.
Proximity is the distance between the searcher's location and the business. Closer businesses rank higher for "near me" queries. However, for specific queries (like "best Italian restaurant"), relevance and prominence can override proximity. Businesses can't easily change proximity, so focus on other factors.
Service-area businesses (SABs) can rank in the local pack but typically with less visibility for nearby-type searches. SABs should set their service area in GBP and optimize other factors. For searches like "plumber in [city]" rather than "plumber near me," SABs can compete effectively.
New businesses with optimized GBP profiles can appear in local results within 1–2 weeks. Reaching the top 3 typically takes 3–6 months of sustained optimization: building reviews, fixing citations, and improving website authority. Highly competitive markets may take 6–12 months.
Yes. Google uses website signals (domain authority, local content, on-page optimization) as one factor in local pack rankings. A strong website supports your GBP listing. However, website signals are weighted less than GBP, reviews, and proximity for local pack specifically.