PageSpeed Matters
    Speed Audit
    Let's Talk
    PageSpeed Matters
    Book a Call
    Loading Performance · Glossary

    DOMContentLoaded (DCL)

    Matt SuffolettoWritten by Matt Suffoletto
    Published June 26, 2026
    DOMContentLoaded
    Share

    TL;DR

    DOMContentLoaded (DCL) is the browser event that fires when the initial HTML document has been completely parsed and the DOM is built, without waiting for stylesheets, images, or subframes to finish loading.

    What is DOMContentLoaded (DCL)?

    DOMContentLoaded (DCL) is the browser event that fires when the initial HTML document has been completely parsed and the DOM is built, without waiting for stylesheets, images, or subframes to finish loading.

    Learn more in our how DCL fits into load performance guide, or work with us through our done-for-you speed optimization service.

    How DCL is Measured

    The event is reported by the Navigation Timing API and shown in the Chrome DevTools Network and Performance panels.

    Related Terms

    Sources