What is PLS by CLS
PLS by CLS shows how Perceived Load Speed (PLS) correlates with Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). It helps you understand how visual instability during loading impacts a user’s perception of speed.
PLS captures when the page feels ready to your users — based on visual completeness. CLS measures how much visible elements shift on the screen while the page is loading, which disrupts the experience and often causes frustration.
When a page layout shifts unexpectedly while loading, users often perceive it as unfinished or “jumpy,” even if most elements are technically visible. This visual instability can delay the moment users feel the page is ready — directly affecting your PLS.
This lens lets you explore how layout shifts impact perceived speed, helping you:
Understand if high CLS is dragging down PLS
Spot slow-feeling loads even when LCP is fast
Uncover missed layout stability optimizations that affect user perception
Should you worry
In a healthy view, most pageviews with “Good” CLS should also show fast perceived load speeds. That means your content appears stable and ready for consumption as soon as it’s visible — creating confidence for users to click and scroll.
If “Needs Improvement” or “Poor” CLS is associated with slow PLS, users are likely experiencing unstable layouts that delay the sense of readiness.
This often happens when:
Fonts shift after loading
Images or banners push other elements down
Dynamic content loads late and causes jumps
Even if your technical loading metrics (like LCP) are solid, these layout issues can ruin the visual flow and make your site feel slow.
Unhealthy PLS by CLS
A high concentration of poor CLS values paired with slow perceived speed signals an unstable load that users are forced to wait through. This tends to increase bounce rates and can break trust — especially on conversion-critical pages.
Resolving unhealthy PLS by CLS
Go-to action plan to resolve an unhealthy PLS by CLS:
Ask Uxi to analyze your PLS by CLS and suggest improvements.
Use Filters to isolate sessions with poor CLS and see which pages suffer most.
Simulate LCP of the suspected lens to see if fixing it will resolve the PLS by CLS. If yes, this is where the resolution focus should be.
Use an automated optimization tool like Navigation AI to improve your PLS by CLS.
Once you’ve improved PLS, set an alert to be the first to know if it starts worsening again.
Try it yourself
Discover how your website performs with real user data.