# Changing excerpt length in WordPress using PHP

> Change the default 55-word length of WordPress post excerpts by adding a short PHP filter to your theme's functions.php file.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/changing-excerpt-length-in-wordpress-using-php/

WordPress automatically generates excerpts (short previews of posts) with a default length of **55 words**. On **ruachost.com**, you can customize this length using a simple PHP function in your theme.

## Why Change Excerpt Length?

- Control how much content appears in blog listings.
- Improve readability by shortening or lengthening previews.
- Enhance SEO and user experience with consistent formatting.

## Steps to Change Excerpt Length

1. **Log in to WordPress** with an administrator account.
2. In the dashboard, go to **Appearance → Theme Editor**.
3. Select your active theme and open the **functions.php** file.
4. Add the following code snippet:

   ```
   // Change excerpt length
   function ruachost_custom_excerpt_length($length) {
       return 30; // set excerpt length to 30 words
   }
   add_filter('excerpt_length', 'ruachost_custom_excerpt_length');
   ```

   - Replace `30` with the number of words you want for your excerpts.
5. Save the file.
6. Refresh your site → Excerpts will now display with the new word count.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your theme before editing `functions.php`.
- Use a **child theme** to preserve changes during updates.
- If you want different excerpt lengths for specific post types, you can add conditional logic inside the function.