BreadcrumbList schema: complete guide

When to use: Any page with hierarchical navigation shown to users.

Required properties

itemListElement — ListItem chain with position, name, item URL

Example JSON-LD

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
  "itemListElement": [
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 1,
      "name": "Home",
      "item": "https://www.example.com/"
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 2,
      "name": "Blog",
      "item": "https://www.example.com/blog/"
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 3,
      "name": "Post Title",
      "item": "https://www.example.com/post/"
    }
  ]
}

Validation tips

Last item URL should match the page canonical
Names should match visible breadcrumb labels
Use absolute URLs

Overview

BreadcrumbList is low-risk when it mirrors UI. Dynamically generate from your route hierarchy so you never drift from visible crumbs.

Combine with CollectionPage patterns on listing templates when appropriate.

Try the free Schema Generator →