Google Keyword Planner
What it is
Google Keyword Planner is a free web and API resource for advertisers researching keywords for Search campaigns. It suggests ideas from entered keywords, a website, or an uploaded CSV list, then estimates monthly searches and the average cost for an ad to appear on those searches. Forecasts can estimate clicks, impressions, or conversions from planned spend; Google says they refresh daily using the previous 7–10 days of data adjusted for seasonality. Users can filter and categorize ideas, organize terms into ad groups, download forecasts, and share plans by enabling access. Ad-group organization is available in English only. The tool includes keyword difficulty, search-volume data, and competitor keywords. Each new keyword may contain up to 80 characters and 10 words. Basic keyword suggestions require completed Google Ads account setup and billing information. Very low-volume or sensitive-category keywords may not be discoverable or forecastable. Google Ads Help provides contact and community support. The listed plan price is free.
For and against
For
- Suggests ideas from keywords or websites
- Provides monthly search estimates
- Offers spend-based forecasts
- Supports CSV keyword uploads
- Available free on web and API
Against
- Billing information is required for basic access
- Low-volume keywords may be unavailable
- Sensitive categories may lack forecasts
- Ad-group organization is English only
The verdict
Google Keyword Planner combines keyword discovery, search estimates, cost estimates, and forecasting in a free resource. Its access requirements and limits on certain keywords should be considered before planning campaigns.
Who it suits
It suits advertisers planning Search campaigns who need keyword ideas, volume estimates, cost estimates, or spend-based forecasts. Users must be prepared to complete Google Ads setup and provide billing information.
Plans and prices
Google Keyword Planner
Free resource; billing information and completed Google Ads account setup required to access basic keyword suggestion features
Read 9 Oct 2026 · support.google.com
On the record
- Access requirement
- Users must complete Google Ads account setup and enter billing information to access basic features such as keyword ideas.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- API access
- Yesbusiness.google.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Cost estimates
- It shows the average cost for an ad to appear on searches for a keyword.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Forecasting
- A plan forecast estimates conversions, clicks, or impressions based on spend.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Forecast updates
- Forecasts refresh daily and use the last 7–10 days of data adjusted for seasonality.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Keyword ideas
- It suggests keywords related to a business’s products, services, or website.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Keyword inputs
- Users can find ideas from entered keywords or a website, and can upload existing keywords using a CSV file.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Keyword length
- Each new keyword can contain up to 80 characters and 10 words.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Notable limits
- Keywords with very low search volumes or in sensitive categories may not be discoverable or forecastable.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Users can filter and categorize keyword ideas and organize keywords into ad groups; ad group organization is available in English only.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Plan sharing
- Users can download forecasts and share a plan by enabling share access.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Google Keyword Planner helps advertisers research keywords for Search campaigns and view estimates of search volume and targeting costs.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Search estimates
- It provides estimates of monthly searches for keywords.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- Google Ads Help offers a contact option and a help community for assistance.support.google.com · read 9 Oct 2026
