1.7 XML sitemapsHighVerified
Sitemap exceeds 50,000 URLs / 50MB
Google caps a single sitemap at 50,000 URLs or 50MB uncompressed. Past that the extra URLs are ignored, so a large site needs to split into multiple sitemaps under an index.
What it is
Single sitemap over Google’s limits.
Why it matters
URLs beyond the limit may be ignored.
How to fix it
Split into multiple sitemaps with an index file.
How to find it on your site
- Count the URLs and check the file size of each sitemap.
- Flag any over 50,000 URLs or 50MB.
- Split large sitemaps into smaller ones and reference them from a sitemap index.
- Submit the index file in Search Console.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
URLs past the limit are simply not read, so they get no discovery benefit. Splitting keeps every URL covered.
Impact
Medium-high at scale. Direct (documented limits).
Evidence
Limits: 50,000 URLs / 50MB uncompressed per sitemap. Google Search Central, Build and submit a sitemap