[GA4] Create custom metrics

Create custom metrics to analyze numerical values from event parameters. If an event parameter measures the quantity or frequency of an action, these custom metrics transform those figures into actionable insights. However, for categorical data such as what text was clicked or which page was viewed, opting for an event-scoped custom dimension is more appropriate.

Custom metrics are always event scoped.

Before you begin

• Don't create a custom event parameter if a predefined metric already exists.
• Add the custom event parameter to your website or mobile app.
• Make sure the custom event parameter is being collect. For example, you can select an event in the Event count by Event name card in the Realtime report.
• Make sure you're an editor or administrator.

Instructions

1. In Admin, under Data display, click Custom definitions.
2. Select the Custom metrics tab
3. Click Create custom metric.
4. Complete the following fields:

   Field	Description
   Metric name	Enter a unique name for the new dimension. The name you choose will appear in your reports and ad platform. You can't use hyphens in the name, but you can use underscores and spaces instead.
   Description	Optional text used to identify the custom metric.
   Event parameter	Enter the name of the custom event parameter in your website or app code. You can't change this field after you save the new dimension.
   Unit of measurement	Currency When you select Currency, you must also identify if the custom metric is a cost and/or revenue metric under Data type. When you identify the custom metric as a cost and/or revenue metric, you can restrict access to it when you configure user roles that restrict access to cost and/or revenue metrics. Distance (Feet, Miles, Meters, Kilometers) These options allow you to compare distances with different units of measurement. For example, you can compare a metric in meters with one in kilometers. Time (Milliseconds, Seconds, Minutes, Hours) These options allow you to compare times with different units of measurement. For example, you can compare a metric in seconds with one in minutes.

5. Click Save.

Example

In addition to the recommended event parameters for the level_end event, you add a value event parameter that counts the number of points someone earned when they completed a level. To analyze the value event parameter, you create the following custom metric:

• Metric name: Points after level
• Description: The number of points at the end of a level
• Event parameter: value
• Unit of measurement: Standard

Next steps

Analyze the metric in a report

If you are an editor or administrator, you can add the custom metric to any report after 24-48 hours from when the custom event parameter was sent and the custom metric was created.

Learn how to Customize metrics in detail reports.

Analyze the metric in an exploration

To add the custom metric to a free-form exploration:

1. In Google Analytics, click Explore on the left.
2. Create or open a free-form exploration.
3. In the Variables column on the left, click + next to Metrics.
4. Click the Custom tab at the top.
5. Select the custom metric.
6. Click Import.
7. Drag the metric from the Variables column.
8. Drop the metric into Values in the Settings column.