Date ranges, comparisons and why numbers differ
Pick ranges, compare periods and understand differences from other tools.
In this article
The date control in the top bar sets the range for every screen. You can pick a preset or a custom range, and choose what to compare it with: the previous period, the same period last year, or nothing.
Days, weeks and months
Long ranges chart by week or month. When a week or month at the edge of the range is incomplete, we leave it out of the chart so a partial bucket doesn't look like a drop.
Why numbers can differ
| You see | Why |
|---|---|
| Totals higher than the sum of rows | Anonymized queries are counted in totals but hidden from rows. |
| Slightly different numbers than Search Console | The newest days are still filling in. Refresh after a day or two. |
| Different positions than a live Google search | Search Console averages your top position across every search, weighted by impressions. |
| Lower numbers with a device or country filter | The filter also applies to the comparison period and the totals. |
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