Google Ads glossary

What Is Search Top Impression Rate?

Definition

Search top impression rate is the percentage of your Search ad impressions that appeared above the unpaid organic results.

How Search Top Impression Rate Works

It equals impressions shown in a top position divided by all Search impressions received. It describes where received impressions appeared, not how much eligible visibility the campaign captured.

A Simple Example

If an ad receives 1,000 Search impressions and 700 appear above the organic results, its Search top impression rate is 70%.

Why Search Top Impression Rate Matters

The metric helps assess prominence after an ad has entered and won an impression.

Common Misreading

Do not confuse top impression rate with top impression share. Rate uses impressions received as its denominator; impression share uses estimated eligible top impressions.