Google Keyword Planner Tutorial | Free Search Volume Lookup [2026]

Want to do SEO but don't know the search volume for your keywords?

Google Keyword Planner is Google's official free tool that lets you look up search volume data for keywords. Even better -- you don't need to spend money on ads to use it.

This article walks you through how to use this tool for free, step by step, and how to correctly interpret search volume data.

Introduction to Google Keyword Planner

What Is Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a keyword research tool built into Google Ads.

It was originally designed for advertisers to plan keyword campaigns, but because it provides official Google search data, it has become one of the most commonly used tools among SEO professionals.

Key features:

• Search volume lookup: See how many people search for each keyword per month
• Discover new keywords: Enter a keyword, and it automatically suggests related ones
• Competition reference: Understand the advertising competition level for keywords
• Batch queries: Look up data for multiple keywords at once

Why Use This Tool

There are many keyword tools on the market. Why recommend Google Keyword Planner in particular?

1. Official data is the most accurate

This is Google's own tool, and the data comes from actual search records. Other third-party tools estimate their data; only Google knows the real search volume.

2. Completely free

Although you need a Google Ads account to use it, you don't need to run any ads to access all features for free.

3. Excellent language support

The data for keywords in various languages is relatively accurate. Many third-party tools perform poorly with non-English keyword data.

4. Low barrier to entry

The interface is intuitive, and even first-time users can get started quickly.

For a more comprehensive overview of keyword research, check out our beginner's guide.

Google Keyword Planner Step-by-Step Tutorial

How to Get Free Access

Many people assume you need to run ads to use Keyword Planner. That's not true. You only need a Google account to use it for free.

Step 1: Go to Google Ads

Open the Google Ads website and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Create an account (without running ads)

If it's your first time, Google will guide you through setting up an ad campaign.

Here's the key: Select "Switch to Expert Mode"

Then choose "Create an account without a campaign." This lets you skip the ad setup and go directly to the tools.

Step 3: Access Keyword Planner

After signing in, click the "Tools & Settings" icon (wrench icon) in the upper right corner, and under the "Planning" section, click "Keyword Planner."

Done! You can now use Google Keyword Planner for free.

Discover New Keywords Feature

After entering the tool, you'll see two main options. Let's start with "Discover new keywords."

What it does

This feature helps you:

• Enter a "seed keyword"
• The tool automatically suggests hundreds of related keywords
• Each keyword comes with search volume and other data

How to use it

1. Click "Discover new keywords"
2. In the "Start with keywords" section, enter the keywords you want to research (up to 10)
3. Set your target language and region
4. Click "Get results"

Interpreting the results

The tool displays a keyword list with these columns:

Tip: Use the filter feature

Too many results and not sure where to look? Use the filter feature:

• Sort by search volume to find high-volume keywords
• Filter by a specific search volume range
• Exclude keywords containing certain terms

Get Search Volume and Forecasts

The second feature is "Get search volume and forecasts." This is ideal when you already have a keyword list and want to look up data in bulk.

What it does

• Batch lookup search volume for multiple keywords
• Query up to 10,000 keywords at once
• Paste directly or upload a CSV file

How to use it

1. Click "Get search volume and forecasts"
2. Paste your keywords into the input box (one per line, or comma-separated)
3. Click "Get started"
4. Switch to the "Historical metrics" tab to view search volume data

Exporting your keyword list

You can export the results:

1. Click the download icon in the upper right corner
2. Choose CSV or Google Sheets format
3. Download and analyze further in Excel

This way you can build your own keyword database and continuously track and update it.

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Interpreting and Applying the Data

Knowing how to operate the tool is just the first step. What matters more is how to interpret the data.

Understanding Search Volume Data

What monthly average search volume means

This number represents "on average, how many people searched for this keyword per month over the past 12 months."

The higher the number, the greater the demand. But keep in mind:

• High search volume usually means fierce competition
• Higher isn't always better -- you need to assess whether you can compete

Search volume ranges vs. exact numbers

If you're not running ads, you'll typically see ranges instead of exact numbers.

For example:

• It shows "10K - 100K" instead of "23,500"

This is a Google limitation; ad spending is required for exact figures.

But ranges are still useful. For SEO purposes, you don't need exact numbers. Knowing the general magnitude is enough to make decisions.

Observing seasonal patterns

Click on a keyword to see a trend chart showing monthly search volume changes.

This is important! Some keywords have clear seasonal patterns:

• "Christmas gifts" peaks in December
• "Air conditioner reviews" peaks in summer
• "Tax filing" peaks in the spring

Consider these seasonal factors when planning your content.

Understanding Competition Levels

Competition indicator (Low/Medium/High)

The competition level shown in the tool refers to advertising competition, not SEO competition.

• Low: Fewer advertisers competing for this keyword
• Medium: Moderate advertising competition
• High: Many advertisers want to bid on this keyword

Relationship to SEO difficulty

Advertising competition and SEO competition are somewhat correlated, but not identical.

Generally:

• Keywords with high ad competition tend to have high SEO competition too
• But low ad competition doesn't guarantee easy SEO rankings

For SEO, you still need to actually search and see who the competitors are to assess difficulty.

Using suggested bids as reference

The "top of page bid" figures can indicate a keyword's commercial value.

Higher bids mean:

• This keyword brings higher-value customers
• Advertisers are willing to pay more for this traffic
• It may be a high-conversion keyword

Limitations of Google Keyword Planner

Although it's an official tool, there are some limitations to be aware of:

1. Search volume is a range, not an exact figure

As mentioned earlier, without ad spending you only see ranges. If you need more precise numbers, use additional tools to supplement.

2. Competition refers to advertising competition

The competition level shown is not SEO competition. You still need to separately assess SEO difficulty.

3. Limited data for long-tail keywords

For very low-volume long-tail keywords, the tool may show a dash or provide no data.

4. Limited regional data

Data for specific cities may not be accurate. National or large-region data tends to be more reliable.

Understanding these limitations, you can combine this with other free keyword tools to fill in the gaps.

How to Make the Most of Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is the best starting point for keyword research. Official data, completely free, and simple to use.

Key takeaways from this article:

1. Getting free access: Sign up for a Google Ads account and skip the ad setup
2. Discovering new keywords: Enter seed keywords and find related suggestions
3. Batch search volume lookup: Use "Get search volume and forecasts" to query multiple keywords at once
4. Interpreting data correctly: Understand search volume ranges, competition levels, and seasonal changes

Recommended action steps:

1. Sign up for a Google Ads account right now
2. Try using your business topics as seed keywords
3. Export the results and build your own keyword database
4. Combine with keyword analysis methods to select the best target keywords

Tools are just aids. What matters most is consistent practice and accumulating experience.

For more keyword research methods, check out the complete keyword research guide.

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