What is an H5 tag?

The H5 tag is an HTML element that is used as a subheading under an H4.
It is the fifth level in the hierarchy of headlines within a web page.

In HTML, it looks like this:

<h5>Jouw subkop op vijfde niveau</h5>

The H5 tag mainly appears in longer, deeply structured content, such as comprehensive manuals, documentation, or knowledge bases.
It is not a requirement for SEO, but it does help organize large amounts of information.

Why are H5 tags important?

H5 tags play a supporting role in the overall structure of a web page.
They make it possible to further divide topics into logical subsections.

For visitors, they offer an overview and guidance in complex content.
For search engines, they provide extra context about the coherence of topics — a signal that your text is well organized.

Although the H5 tag is used less frequently, applying it correctly contributes to a clear information hierarchy and a pleasant reading experience.

H5 tags in practice

You only use an H5 tag if your content is really deep.
For example, in a manual or comprehensive guide:

<h1>SEO guide for beginners</h1>
<h2>On-page SEO</h2>
<h3>Content optimization</h3>
<h4>Keyword usage in content</h4>
<h5>Synonyms and long-tail variations</h5>
<h5>Keyword density and natural structure</h5>

Here, the H5s provide extra depth within one subsection (in this case, the optimization of keywords in texts).

H5 tags and SEO

The H5 tag, like the other headlines, has an indirect effect on SEO.
Google uses a page's header structure to understand how information is organized.

A good structure with H1—H5 helps the search engine scan content, make connections and determine which parts are important.
In addition, H5 tags improve readability, which can lead to lower bounce rates and higher engagement — both factors that indirectly contribute to better SEO performance.

So don't use H5s to “score”, but to better structure your content.

How often can you use an H5 tag?

There are no fixed rules for using H5 tags.
Only use them if it makes sense within the content structure of your text.

An H5 always belongs to an H4 — not directly under an H3 or H2.
In practice, H5 tags are mainly found on websites with a lot of technical or educational content, such as knowledge bases or documentation pages.

H5 tags in WordPress

In WordPress, you can easily add an H5 tag by selecting the desired text and choosing “Heading 5” in the editor.
Make sure your hierarchy is correct and that the headlines follow each other logically.
Optionally, use an SEO plugin to verify that the structure of your content is technically sound.

Rank Rocket tip

Use the H5 tag not out of habit, but out of necessity.
Each additional layer in your header structure should add something to the clarity of your text.

H5s are ideal for highlighting details, sub-topics, or small steps within a larger process.
Use them to better structure your explanation — not to repeat keywords.

My advice

Only use H5 tags if your text is really layered enough to justify it.
For most SEO texts, H1 to H3 or H4 are sufficient.
Only with deeper articles, guides or technical documentation are H5s valuable.

A good rule of thumb: If a section without H5s is already clear, you probably don't need them.
Structure isn't about depth, it's about clarity — and that's exactly what good SEO starts with.