Data Data discrepancy GA4 and Power BI

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have used Power BI google connector 2.0 to connect to GA4.

On my online GA4 dashboard my users count for Febuary is 14,498 but when I use my google connector in power Bi to download the same data (active users or user field ) I get a different figure of 16,235 for the month of Febuary. Does any one know why this could be happening? What is also strange is that when I go the table view the daily data for that month is correct is corresponds to what i see in GA4 but the monthly total is off for some reason and I do not know why. I am using sum of count the data which is correct.  I would be interested to know if anyone else has come across this issue.

[ReportGuru]

Hi @Anonymous GA4 data mismatch when comparing totals or aggregated values can happen. Maybe this article can help you clarify some doubts: 

https://support.windsor.ai/portal/en/kb/articles/addressing-data-discrepancies-in-google-analytics-4-misunderstandings-and-solutions 

Also, as a workaround, maybe you can try to test your connection with a 3rd party tool and see if values match there. I've tried windsor.ai, supemetrics and funnel.io. I stayed with windsor because it is much cheaper so just to let you know other options. In case you wonder, to make the connection first search for the GA4 connector in the data sources list:

After that, just grant access to your GA4 account using your credentials, then on preview and destination page you will see a preview of your GA4 fields:

There just select the fields you need. Finally, just select PBI as your data destination and finally just copy and paste the url on PBI --> Get Data --> Web --> Paste the url. 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous 

You can try the following steps to troubleshoot the problem:

• Verify that GA4 and Power BI are set to the same time zone. This may significantly affect how monthly totals are calculated.
• Power BI and GA4 may aggregate data differently, so make sure that the aggregation method used in Power BI is consistent with the aggregation method used in GA4.

Best Regards,
Yulia Xu

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous 

You must be referring to these steps right?

1. Understand Engagement Rate Calculation in GA4: GA4 calculates engagement rate by dividing the total number of engaged sessions by the total number of sessions and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. Engaged sessions typically include interactions such as pageviews, screen views, events, and ecommerce transactions.

2. Define Engagement Metrics in Power BI: In Power BI, define engagement metrics based on your data model and requirements. This could include similar metrics to what GA4 tracks, such as page views, interactions, or any other relevant actions that indicate user engagement.

3. Aggregate Data Consistently: Ensure that the data aggregation method used in Power BI aligns with GA4. This means using the same dimensions and metrics for calculating engagement rate. For example, if GA4 counts sessions where users have interacted with certain elements, ensure that your Power BI data model captures similar interactions and aggregates them accordingly.

4. Align Timeframes and Filters: Make sure that the timeframes and filters applied in both Power BI and GA4 are consistent when calculating engagement rate. This includes filtering data by date range, segmenting users or sessions based on specific criteria, and ensuring that any custom filters or segments are applied consistently across both platforms.

5. Test and Validate: Once you've implemented the consistent calculation method in Power BI, validate the results against GA4 data to ensure they match. This may involve spot-checking specific metrics or running comparisons over different time periods to identify any discrepancies.

6. Iterate and Refine: Continuously monitor and refine your engagement rate calculation in Power BI to ensure ongoing alignment with GA4. As your analytics requirements evolve or as you encounter new types of user interactions, adjust your metrics and calculations accordingly to maintain consistency.

By following these steps and ensuring alignment in data aggregation, metrics definition, timeframes, and filters, you can make the aggregation method for engagement rate consistent between Power BI and GA4.

@Anonymous how do you set the time zonein PBI desktop to match what is set in GA4? This article here refers to the app service. https://radacad.com/solving-dax-time-zone-issue-in-power-bi which does not answer my question

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous thank you for your response.

Please can you give me some clear guideance on how I can check the aggregration method of power Bi against GA4. By aggregation do you mean how the sum up the daily and monthly totals? 

Some guidance on what to look for. I am looking at session data in GA4 but I look in the PBI table and the daily total match but when I add it to the table the monthly totals do not match.

Thanks for your help.