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This issue is indeed quite intriguing! Alright, here’s the scoop. Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and BigQuery might show different data due to their distinct approaches to session calculations. Your trusted BigQuery tends to be more exacting in its computation, which is probably why the numbers align closer with your actual traffic and other analytics. On the other hand, the GA4 interface usually provides estimates.
Moreover, there are certain sessions, such as those derived via Google Signals, that aren’t included in BigQuery. Whether it’s tied to your recently incorporated eCommerce event is hard to say, but it’s definitely worth keeping in mind these fundamental differences between GA4 and BigQuery data handling.
So, to your questions:
1. Yes, we’d often anticipate some similarity between GA4’s and BigQuery’s numbers. However, as I mentioned above, due to differing calculation methods and data inclusions, some discrepancy might occur.
2. To align these numbers more accurately, it really comes down to gaining a deeper understanding of what each tool counts as a ‘session’ and adjusting expectations and calculations accordingly. Ensure any additional events or tags you’re deploying are correctly incorporated in your calculations. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but with some tweaking and understanding of the processes involved, you should see more consistent results.I hope this helps clarify the situation a bit!
