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Understanding Custom Datasets for Google Ads

With Custom Datasets, you can customize which Google Ads data points you'd like to access with Polar Analytics.

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Written by PolarBears
Updated this week

Overview

Custom Datasets for Google Ads allow you to extend Polar beyond the default Google Ads schema by selecting additional metrics and dimensions tailored to your reporting needs.
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This feature is especially useful for teams that require more granular breakdowns, custom reporting views, or access to specific Google Ads fields not included out of the box. By creating a Custom Dataset, you can:

  • Access advanced or less common Google Ads fields

  • Build more detailed performance breakdowns

  • Support custom metrics and reporting use cases that aren’t possible with default data alone

How-To Configure a Google Ads Custom Dataset

Follow the steps below to create a Custom Dataset in Polar:

Tip: Be intentional when selecting fields. Only metrics and dimensions explicitly added to the dataset will be available for reporting.

  1. Navigate to Connectors → Google Ads → Configure.

  2. Click Custom Datasets at the bottom of the configuration page.

  3. Select + Add Custom Dataset.

  4. Choose the metrics and dimensions you want to include, then give your dataset a clear and descriptive name.

  5. Save your Custom Dataset.

    ⚠️ This step is final. Once saved, a Custom Dataset cannot be edited.

  6. After processing, your data will be available under Google Ads metrics in Polar.

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Data Availability, Limitations, and Best Practices

Data Availability & Sync Timing

Custom Datasets do not populate immediately.

  • Custom Datasets pull in data at a slower rate than standard Google Ads data

  • Please wait at least 24 hours after configuration for new metrics and dimensions to appear in Polar

  • In some cases, larger or more complex datasets may take longer to process

Metrics and Dimensions Must Be Included Together

If you want to:

  • View an existing Polar metric broken down by a new dimension, or

  • Use a new metric with an existing dimension

You must include both the metric and the dimension in the same Custom Dataset.

Metrics and dimensions are only compatible with each other if they are explicitly defined together in the dataset.

Cost Metric Limitation (Cost Micros)

Due to a Google Ads API limitation:

  • Cost is returned as cost_micros in Custom Datasets

To view cost in standard currency:

  1. Pull in the cost_micros metric via your Custom Dataset

  2. Create a custom metric in Polar to convert cost micros into your true cost value

Editing or Updating a Custom Dataset

Custom Datasets cannot be edited once created.

If you need to make changes:

  1. Delete the existing Custom Dataset

  2. Create a new dataset with the updated metrics and dimensions

Because of this limitation, it’s strongly recommended to double-check your configuration before saving.

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