---
title: How to Add Review Schema and Star Ratings to WordPress Posts
description: Add a star rating box and Review schema to WordPress posts with the free Ultimate Blocks Review block, then test it with Google’s Rich Results Test.
url: "https://ultimateblocks.com/docs/how-to-add-review-schema-star-ratings/"
updated: "2026-11-07"
category: "How-To Guides"
---

# How to Add Review Schema and Star Ratings to WordPress Posts

To add review schema and star ratings to a WordPress post, use the free **Review** block in Ultimate Blocks. It shows a rating box with stars (or percentages) for each feature you rate, and it outputs Review structured data (JSON-LD) that search engines can use for star rating snippets. Ultimate Blocks Pro adds a pros and cons section, which is also included in the schema.

## What you need

- The free [Ultimate Blocks](https://wordpress.org/plugins/ultimate-blocks/) plugin, installed and active.
- A post where you review one specific item, such as a product, book, course or app.
- Ultimate Blocks Pro only if you want the pros and cons section.

## How to add the Review block

1. Open the post in the WordPress block editor.
2. Click the **+** (Block Inserter) button, search for **Review** and click the block to add it.
3. Fill in the review title (the name of the item you review) and the **Review Author name**.
4. Give each feature a name and click the stars to rate it. Use **Insert new review entry** to add more features. The block shows the average as the overall rating.
5. Add a summary title and a short summary of your verdict.
6. In the **Settings** tab, use the **Rating Format** panel to choose **star** or **percent**. Optional: turn on a button in the **CTA Button** panel.

## How to turn on review schema

1. Select the Review block and open the **Review Schema** panel in the **Settings** tab.
2. Check that **Enable review schema** is on. It is on by default.
3. Choose the **Item type** that matches what you review. Some types also have an **Item subtype**.
4. Fill in the extra fields for that type (for example **Brand** and the offer fields for a Product).
5. Fix any fields listed in the editor notice (see below), then click **Update**.

### Supported item types

The **Item type** list includes: Book, Course, CreativeWorkSeason, CreativeWorkSeries, Episode, Event, Game, LocalBusiness, MediaObject, Movie, MusicPlaylist, MusicRecording, Organization, Product and SoftwareApplication. Product is the default.

For a **Product**, you can also choose **Include review** and **Include aggregate rating**, and add offer details (**Offer Type**, **Offer Currency**, **Offer Price**, **Offer Status**), **Shipping Details** and a **Return Policy**.

## Required vs recommended fields

When schema is on, the block checks your fields in the editor. Fields under **Missing for a valid rich result:** must be filled for a valid result. Fields under **Recommended for a richer result:** are optional but help. The notice is visible only in the editor and goes away once the fields are filled.

| Item type | Required | Recommended |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All types | Item name (review title), Author Name, a rating value | None |
| Product | Offer Price (when Offer Type is Offer) | Brand, Identifier |
| SoftwareApplication | Offer Price (when Offer Type is Offer) | Application Category, Operating System |
| Course | Description | Provider |
| Event | Event Venue Address (in person) or Event Page (online) | None |
| Movie | Image | None |
| LocalBusiness | Address | None |

## Google’s rules for review stars

Valid markup does not guarantee stars. Google decides when to show them, and it follows a few rules. In general terms:

- **No self-serving reviews:** Google does not show review stars when a business or organization reviews itself on its own site. Don’t use the LocalBusiness or Organization type to rate your own company.
- **Review a specific item:** the review should be about one clear product, book, course or similar item, not a whole category.
- **Keep it visible and honest:** the rating in the schema must match the rating readers see on the page, and the review must come from a real author.
- **Don’t mark up ratings you didn’t collect:** only use aggregate ratings when they really reflect ratings from users.

## How to test your review schema

1. Publish or update the post and copy its URL.
2. Open [Google’s Rich Results Test](https://search.google.com/test/rich-results), paste the URL and click **Test URL**.
3. Look for **Review snippets** (or **Product snippets** for products) and fix any errors it lists.
4. For a general check of the markup, use the [Schema Markup Validator](https://validator.schema.org/).
5. After Google crawls the page, watch the matching report in Google Search Console.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is the Review block free?**

Yes. The Review block and its review schema are free in Ultimate Blocks. Pro adds a pros and cons section that is also included in the schema.

**Which item type should I choose?**

Choose the type that matches the thing you review, such as Product for a physical product or SoftwareApplication for an app or plugin.

**Why don’t my stars show in Google?**

Google decides when to show review stars. Check your page in the Rich Results Test, fill every required field and follow Google’s review guidelines.

**Can I review my own business with the Review block?**

You can add the review, but Google does not show stars for self-serving reviews of your own business or organization.

**Can I turn off the schema and keep the rating box?**

Yes. Turn off Enable review schema in the Review Schema panel. The rating box still shows on the page.

## Related docs

- [Review block](https://ultimateblocks.com/docs/review-block/)
- [Star Rating block](https://ultimateblocks.com/docs/star-rating-block/)
- [How to add FAQ schema in WordPress (free)](https://ultimateblocks.com/docs/how-to-add-faq-schema-in-wordpress/)
- [How To block (HowTo schema)](https://ultimateblocks.com/docs/howto-schema-block/)