If you're testing Semrush with a free account, one of the first questions is simple: how many searches can you run per day? Below is a clear breakdown of what the free tier allows, how the limits work in practice, and tips to squeeze the most value from those limited queries. How many searches per day with free Semrush account?
What the Free Plan Includes (Overview)
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A small daily allowance of searches/queries across Semrush’s core tools.
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Limited visibility in results (you’ll see fewer items per report compared to paid plans).
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Access to a handful of features intended for trial and light use (keyword overviews, domain overviews, a basic site audit, and basic position tracking).
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Only one project and a small number of tracked keywords are allowed on the free tier.
How the Daily Search Limit Works
The daily search limit on Semrush’s free plan is cumulative across tools. That means every time you run a Keyword Overview, Domain Overview, or other query, it counts toward your daily total. Drilling into keyword details or clicking into related tools often consumes additional queries. In short: broad exploration across many tools can quickly use up your daily allowance.
Practical Implications
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You cannot perform extensive keyword research or audit many domains in a single day.
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Deep competitor analysis is limited by both query caps and smaller result sets.
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The free plan is best for learning, small one-off checks, or spot investigations rather than heavy, continuous research.
Tips to Maximize Your Free Searches
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Plan before you search — know the 3–5 things you need to check so you use queries efficiently.
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Start with overview reports — run a Domain or Keyword Overview first to get the big picture before drilling down.
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Avoid unnecessary clicks — drill down only when the overview shows promise.
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Spread work across days — rotate research tasks to avoid hitting the daily cap in one session.
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Use other free tools alongside Semrush — combine Semrush snapshots with other free keyword or analytics tools to supplement research.
When to Consider Upgrading
If you frequently hit the daily limit, manage multiple sites, or need historical/trend data and larger result sets, upgrading to a paid Semrush plan will save time and unlock the platform’s full potential.
Final Thoughts
Semrush’s free plan is a useful entry point to explore the platform and perform light SEO tasks. But its daily query limits and reduced result depth mean it’s most valuable for beginners, small projects, or as a complement to other free resources. If your workflow grows, you’ll likely find a paid plan more efficient.