Google Analytics 4 Cheatsheet

Use this GA4 cheatsheet to decode common metrics, traffic labels and tracking checks without searching through a long setup guide.

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Quick reference

Core concepts

UserA distinct person or device identity

Identification depends on the signals available to the property.

SessionA period of interaction

A new session normally begins when the session timeout has elapsed.

EventSomething that happened

Examples include page_view, scroll and sign_up.

ParameterContext attached to an event

For example, link_url can describe a click event.

DimensionA descriptive attribute

For example Country or Session source.

MetricA count or calculated number

For example Active users or Sessions.

Key eventAn event marked as important

Use it for a meaningful business outcome.

Acquisition

SourceWhere traffic came from

For example google, newsletter or example.com.

MediumHow traffic arrived

For example organic, referral, email or cpc.

CampaignThe named promotion associated with traffic

ChannelGA4's rule-based traffic grouping

Examples include Organic Search and Paid Social.

Landing pageThe first page viewed in a session

User vs traffic acquisitionFirst-user vs session scope

Choose the report that matches the question you are asking.

Common events

page_viewPage viewed

session_startSession began

scrollEnhanced measurement scroll threshold reached

clickEnhanced measurement outbound link click

file_downloadDownload link selected

sign_upRecommended event for completed signup

loginRecommended event for completed login

purchaseRecommended ecommerce purchase event

UTM parameters

utm_sourceTraffic source

Example: newsletter

utm_mediumMarketing medium

Example: email

utm_campaignCampaign name

Example: summer_launch

utm_termOptional paid keyword or audience label

utm_contentOptional creative or link variant

Debugging

NetworkConfirm Google requests leave the browser

Tag AssistantInspect the detected tag and events

RealtimeCheck recent collection in the property

DebugViewInspect debug-mode events and parameters

Reports

RealtimeRecent users and events

AcquisitionHow users and sessions were acquired

Landing pageThe first page in each session

Pages and screensContent views and engagement

EngagementEvents, pages and user activity

ExplorationsFlexible analysis beyond standard reports

Common confusion

Users ≠ people exactlyIdentity is estimated from available signals

Users ≠ sessionsOne user can start several sessions

Direct ≠ typed URL onlyIt can also mean attribution information was unavailable

(not set)GA4 has no value for that dimension in the current context

Key eventAn event marked as important to the business

Older material may call this a conversion.

Examples

CodeTagged campaign URL

Use consistent lowercase values and never tag internal navigation.

https://example.com/pricing?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=summer_launch

GA4 FAQ

What is included in the GA4 cheatsheet?

Google Analytics 4 Cheatsheet includes quick reference sections, practical examples, common mistakes, tips and links to related DevKitYard tools.

Is the GA4 cheatsheet interactive?

This cheatsheet is a static quick reference focused on concise commands, syntax and examples.

When should I use this GA4 reference?

Use it when you need to recall syntax, compare common patterns or avoid mistakes without opening a long tutorial.

What should I use after reading this cheatsheet?

Use related DevKitYard tools such as UTM Builder when you need to format, validate, generate or inspect real output.