Google Tag Managerintermediate 10 min read 3 steps

GTM Variable Types: Complete Reference Guide

Built-in variables (enable in Variables > Configure): Page URL, Page Hostname, Page Path, Referrer, Click Element, Click Text, Click URL, Form ID, Scroll Depth. User-defined variables: Data Layer Variable (reads values from the dataLayer object), 1st Party Cookie (reads cookie values), Custom JavaSc

Event Trackinggtm variable types

Quick summary

Built-in variables (enable in Variables > Configure): Page URL, Page Hostname, Page Path, Referrer, Click Element, Click Text, Click URL, Form ID, Scroll Depth. User-defined variables: Data Layer Variable (reads values from the dataLayer object), 1st Party Cookie (reads cookie values), Custom JavaSc

Process Flow

Animated overview of the full workflow

Start
1Step-by-Step Setup
2Best Practices
3Common Issues and Solutions
Complete

TL;DR

Built-in variables (enable in Variables > Configure): Page URL, Page Hostname, Page Path, Referrer, Click Element, Click Text, Click URL, Form ID, Scroll Depth. User-defined variables: Data Layer Variable (reads values from the dataLayer object), 1st Party Cookie (reads cookie values), Custom JavaScript (returns computed values), Constant (stores fixed values like tracking IDs), Lookup Table (maps input values to outputs), RegEx Table (pattern matching), Google Analytics Settings (reusable GA config). Data Layer Variables are the most powerful — they access structured data pushed by your website.


Overview

Built-in variables (enable in Variables > Configure): Page URL, Page Hostname, Page Path, Referrer, Click Element, Click Text, Click URL, Form ID, Scroll Depth. User-defined variables: Data Layer Variable (reads values from the dataLayer object), 1st Party Cookie (reads cookie values), Custom JavaScript (returns computed values), Constant (stores fixed values like tracking IDs), Lookup Table (maps input values to outputs), RegEx Table (pattern matching), Google Analytics Settings (reusable GA config). Data Layer Variables are the most powerful — they access structured data pushed by your website.

Related Guides

See our complete guide library for detailed coverage of setup, tracking, analysis, and optimisation across all platforms.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these 3 steps to complete this guide

  1. 1

    Step-by-Step Setup

    Access your account or platform. Navigate to the relevant section. Complete each configuration step, testing along the way. Verify your setup using built-in diagnostic tools before relying on the data for decisions.

  2. 2

    Best Practices

    Start with recommended defaults and optimise based on data. Review performance regularly. Make incremental changes. Document your configuration.

  3. 3

    Common Issues and Solutions

    Check the platform's help centre for troubleshooting. Allow 24-48 hours for data to populate. Ensure correct permissions. Verify all integrations are active and properly configured.

Frequently asked

Questions & answers

How long does setup take?

Most configurations take 10-30 minutes.

What if data is not appearing?

Allow 24-48 hours for data processing. Use real-time reports or debug tools to verify installation immediately.

Where can I learn more?

Check our related guides and the platform's official documentation for advanced topics.

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