Finding Dimensions and Metrics in the GA4 API and BigQuery Export

Analytics Canvas supports both the GA4 API and the GA4 BigQuery Event Export as data sources.  Not all dimensions and metrics are available in both sources. For example, the BigQuery export does not contain Google Ads data, so you will not find adCost in the event ables, even though you will find that field in the API.  

For the current list of available dimensions and metrics, refer to the official Google sources:

• API Dimensions & Metrics for the [GA4] Google Analytics Data API v1
• BigQuery Event Export Schema, your user admin (Admin > Property > Custom Definitions). 

Within Analytics Canvas, follow the instructions to find and verify that the dimensions or metrics you're looking for are available.  If they are not available in Canvas but they are shown in the links above, contact-us to request an update on the field you are looking for. 

Use the search functions to find the dims and metrics you are looking for.  Find Custom Dimensions and Metrics under the Custom Dimensions and Metrics tab.  And find meta data fields under the Additional Columns tab. 

In the BigQuery Event Export, you can search for available dimensions and metrics in the Analytics Canvas GA4 BigQuery SQL Query Builder.

If the value is a custom field, such as a custom User Parameter, Event Parameter, or Custom Dimension, first check the Tree-view under the "User", "Event Parameter" and "Custom Dimension" labels.  

If you still cannot find it, go back to the Properties tab and click "Refresh Properties".  

In the query builder, make sure that the dimensional scope selector is set to "All", then search again.  If you still cannot find the value, use the "Request a new Dimension or Metric" button.  

If you cannot find the Custom Dimension or Custom Metric you are looking for:

1. Ensure that it is available in the BigQuery schema and in the dataset for your account. You can verify that it is in the dataset for your account by querying the raw tables in the BigQuery console. You can also see the custom dimensions in the web UI under both Real Time and Reports. 
2. Ensure that your custom event parameters are properly registered as custom dimensions in Google Analytics 4 (GA4).  Find them in the GA4 Admin for your property under  Data Display > Custom Definitions > Custom Dimensions. 

Custom dimensions can be added to any report 24-48 hours after the custom data was sent and the custom dimension was created.

If you're still having issues finding fields in the Query Builder, contact-us.