A value of 100 marks the peak relative search interest in the selected comparison, not 100 searches or 100 per cent of people.
How the scale works
Google normalises search interest against all searches in the selected place and period, then scales the result. A value of 50 is half the relative interest of the peak on that chart. It does not reveal the number of searches.
An illustrative comparison
Imagine a chart for reusable bottles in the UK over one year. A summer point at 100 and a winter point at 50 indicate a difference in relative interest within that view. They do not establish that one month had twice the absolute search count.
Avoid comparing isolated scores
Keep the location, time range, search type and query definition visible. Two separately generated charts can have different peaks and scales, so compare terms in the same view when the question calls for it.
Can you compare two values of 100?
Not reliably when they come from separate views. Each view can be scaled to its own peak. A small niche and a broad subject can both reach 100 at different times. Add comparable queries to one comparison and keep its filters fixed; the chart still describes relative interest, not sales or an absolute audience.
| Observation | Supported reading | Not established |
|---|---|---|
| A point reaches 100 | Peak relative interest in that view | A count of 100 searches |
| Another point is 50 | Half the index of that view's peak | Half as many customers |
| Two separate charts peak at 100 | Each has a peak | Equal search volumes |
Record the date you captured the view. A new high point or a changed time range can rescale the chart, making an earlier screenshot hard to compare without its settings.
What if the same chart no longer shows 100 at the same date?
That does not necessarily mean interest in the original peak fell. Changing the selected dates, region or query can change which point becomes the new peak. A chart may also change when more data is included.
Before comparing a screenshot with a fresh view, recreate the original settings and record when each was captured. If you cannot reproduce them, describe the two results as separate views rather than presenting the difference as measured growth or decline.
Where to go next
Read Google's guidance for the underlying methodology.
For a broader research workflow, see TrendRadar trend scores and popularity and momentum. TrendRadar is free to download and use for exploring trends by country.
Free on iPhone and Android
Explore trends by country with the free TrendRadar app
Explore trending searches, popular YouTube videos and Apple Music charts by country. Compare trend scores and momentum, and save topics worth investigating. Free to use on iPhone and Android. No subscriptions or in-app purchases.
