Title: Comparing Parse.ly metrics to other analytics tools
Author: bethurban
Published: July 21, 2022
Last modified: July 20, 2026

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 1. [User handbook](https://docs.parse.ly/user-handbook/)
 2. [Measuring and reporting performance](https://docs.parse.ly/user-handbook/measuring-reporting-performance/)
 3. [Understanding Parse.ly calculations](https://docs.parse.ly/user-handbook/measuring-reporting-performance/calculations/)
 4. Comparing Parse.ly metrics to other analytics tools

#  Comparing Parse.ly metrics to other analytics tools

When comparing metrics across multiple content analytics tools, you may see differing
results. If you see a discrepancy between Parse.ly and another tool, it is likely
due to one of several reasons outlined below.

**Note**

A 7-9% relative difference between analytics tools is within the normal range and
should not be considered problematic. If much larger discrepancies are found, please
contact [Parse.ly Support](https://support.parse.ly/hc/en-us) for further investigation.

## Tracking mobile versions of a site

If there is a mobile version of your site (e.g., `m.yoursite.com` or `yoursite.mobile`),
it is strongly recommended to include Parse.ly’s tracking code via our [Mobile Software Development Kit](https://docs.parse.ly/mobile-sdk/).
Verify this integration via the [Parse.ly Validator](https://docs.parse.ly/validator/).

Depending on what percentage of [visitors](https://docs.parse.ly/measuring-reporting-performance/calculations/visitors/)
come to your site on mobile devices, this could account for a large discrepancy.

## Tracking special webpages

Differences between Parse.ly and other analytics tools could be the result of how
slideshows, multipage articles, or other special webpages are tracked.

If a [page view](https://docs.parse.ly/measuring-reporting-performance/calculations/page-views/)
for each slide or additional article page is counted by one tool but not the other,
results will differ significantly. By default, Parse.ly attributes 1 page view to
a post.  If you would like to track each slide or each post page as a page view,
implement [dynamic tracking](https://docs.parse.ly/dynamic-tracking/).

## Load times

[Parse.ly’s JavaScript tracker tag loads last](https://docs.parse.ly/will-the-javascript-tracker-tag-break-down-or-slow-down-my-site/)
to ensure it does not slow down your site for visitors. If you are using other analytics
tags, there may be discrepancies due to visitors clicking away from a page after
one tag loads but before the other.

## Incorrect configuration

Consult [Parse.ly’s integration guide](https://docs.parse.ly/parsely-integration/)
for a comprehensive list of the steps involved in a successful implementation.

## Different metric definitions

Other analytics tools may consider a unique [visitor](https://docs.parse.ly/measuring-reporting-performance/calculations/visitors/),
the actions for [engaged minutes](https://docs.parse.ly/measuring-reporting-performance/calculations/engaged-minutes/),
or other metrics differently than Parse.ly. Ensure you understand the [definition of the metric](https://docs.parse.ly/measuring-reporting-performance/)
you’re considering in each analytics tool.

## Different timespans

Double-check that you’re using the same timespan in both places when comparing Parse.
ly data to another analytics tool. For example, if the [Parse.ly Dashboard](https://docs.parse.ly/dashboard/)
has been set to display the last 24 hours and another tool has been set to “today,”
there may be discrepancies.

Last updated: July 20, 2026