Different spellings can produce different results, so define the variants relevant to your question before comparing them.
Make the query explicit
Google’s search tips explain that a basic term does not automatically include spelling variations, synonyms or singular and plural forms. Its plus operator can combine alternatives, but each group should still reflect the meaning you intend to study.
An illustrative check
A UK researcher investigating bicycle repairs may test “bicycle repair” and “bike repair” separately before considering a combined query. The two phrases can overlap in meaning but may attract different contexts. The plus operator expresses an OR; it does not prove that the audience is identical.
Keep a small query log
Record the terms, operators, location and dates, then inspect a sample of related queries for ambiguity. Adding more variants can broaden coverage while also admitting irrelevant searches. Recheck the wording when comparing with older work.
Build a small, reviewable query set
Start with the phrase an audience actually uses, then list plausible alternatives. Test each separately to find unexpected meanings before combining them. A comparison of “bike repair” and “bicycle repair” might show different patterns; it does not tell you how many individual people used either phrase.
| Query | Purpose | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| bike repair | Common wording | May include unrelated contexts |
| bicycle repair | Alternative wording | May miss other descriptions |
| bike repair + bicycle repair | Combined alternatives | Broader coverage can add noise |
Google describes the plus sign as OR and quotation marks as an exact-phrase filter. Preserve the query exactly in your notes: adding or removing quotation marks changes the question. Consult local-language sources rather than assuming a translation has the same meaning.
Do not add separate index values together
Two spelling variants may appear in some of the same searches. Their independently scaled 0–100 values are not absolute counts, so adding those values cannot tell you the combined number of searches.
If you need a combined view, construct it within Google Trends using the supported search operators, then keep the exact query and filters in your notes. When the question is which wording audiences prefer, compare variants rather than combining them.
Where to go next
Read Google's guidance for the underlying methodology.
For a broader research workflow, see Google Trending Now guide and finding trends in a niche. 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.
