How to include additional data on Google Analytics 4 summary cards and overview reports?

[Ava]

Unfortunately, adding custom dimensions and metrics in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is murkier compared to Universal Analytics. GA4’s interface only allows selections from existing primary dimensions and metrics for summary card setup, meaning custom ones aren’t readily accessible.

However, it’s possible to create custom dimensions and metrics in GA4 using “Events and parameters”. You’d need to work with a developer or have some coding knowledge to set these up and ensure the values are sent to GA4. Once these are setup, they can then be used in analysis and reporting.

Bear in mind that GA4 is fundamentally different from Universal Analytics, being event-based rather than session-based. This could affect the way you setup and interpret your custom dimensions or metrics. It’s a matter of translating what you want to achieve from Universal Analytics’ perspective to GA4’s setup.

Still, if you’re very comfortable or reliant on using custom dimensions and metrics from Universal Analytics, you might find GA4 a bit limiting for now. You can still use them side by side until you’re fully ready to transition or until GA4 fulfills your needs.

[Anh]

Yes, you can use Custom Dimensions and Metrics in Google Analytics 4. In order to do this, you must first set up your custom dimensions and metrics in the event parameters. Once it’s setup, you can then use them in any of your reports, including in Summary Cards. Do keep in mind that the data related to these custom dimensions/metrics will only start to populate after you have created them, so you won’t be able to see historic data. You can create these in ‘All Events’ under the ‘Custom Definitions’ option in your Google Analytics 4 property.