How Core Web Vitals & Lighthouse scores affect SEO Rankings

This post clarifies the distinction between Google's Core Web Vitals (field data) and Lighthouse scores (lab data) for SEO ranking. It emphasizes that only field data (LCP, INP, CLS) impacts search rankings, while Lighthouse provides diagnostic suggestions. It details the methodology for collecting field data via the Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX), including user eligibility and geographic considerations, and highlights the 28-day sliding window for score updates. It also explains the components of the Lighthouse performance score and its limitations in reflecting real user experience, particularly concerning modern frameworks and user interactions.