How to Blend Data in Looker Studio

Blending data in Looker Studio can significantly enhance your reporting insights, allowing you to combine and visualize different datasets for a holistic analysis. As a seasoned data analyst, blending data has been pivotal in turning diverse data streams into actionable intelligence. In this guide, I will lead you through the steps to effectively blend data within Looker Studio, ensuring that you can leverage this feature to its full potential.

Step 1: Access Your Data Sources

Before blending data, you need accessible and well-prepared data sources. Looker Studio can connect to various data sources, including Google Sheets, databases, and marketing platforms among others. Ensure that each source is organized and that the primary key or the common field you intend to use for blending is consistent across these sources. If you're new to connecting data sources, consider checking out a detailed guide on How to Use Looker Studio with Google Sheets.

Step 2: Adding Data to a Report

To start blending, first, add your primary data source to the report:

  • Open Looker Studio and select or create a new report.
  • Click on Add data and select your primary data source.
  • Once added, add your secondary data sources following the same steps.

Step 3: Creating a Data Blend

With all relevant data sources added, you can now create a blend:

  • In your report, go to Resource and select Manage blended data.
  • Click on Add a data view.
  • Here, you'll specify the data sources you want to blend. Click on Add another data source and select your secondary sources.
  • After adding your sources, you will need to determine the join keys. These are the fields your data sources have in common and used for merging the data.

Step 4: Configuring Blend Settings

  • Set the join type that determines how data rows are matched from your sources (e.g., Left Outer Join, Right Join).
  • Choose which dimensions and metrics to include from each source. You can use dimensions to match data and metrics to perform calculations.
  • Finally, give your blended data a name and save it.

Step 5: Visualizing Blended Data

Now, return to your report:

  • Click Add a Chart in the toolbar.
  • Select the blended data source from the data field picker on the right.
  • Choose the type of visualization you find appropriate for the data.

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