Unlocking Dynamic Text in Looker Studio with Query Result Variables
Transform your Looker Studio dashboards with the power of dynamic text! Learn how the new Query Result Variables feature lets you insert live data points directly into your text components for more insightful, contextual reporting.
Ever wished you could embed dynamic data values directly into your Looker Studio text boxes? Now you can! In our recent live workshop, we explored Looker Studio's newly released Query Result Variables feature—a game-changer for creating more informative, context-rich dashboards.
What Are Query Result Variables?
Query Result Variables allow you to insert dynamic values from your data directly into text components in Looker Studio. Before this feature, if you wanted to show a specific data value in text, you needed workarounds like placing scorecards next to text or creating single-row tables.
Now you can write text like:
"Our top traffic source was direct, accounting for 58% of total traffic"
Where "direct" and "58%" are dynamic values pulled directly from your data sources, automatically updating as your data changes.
Why This Matters for Data Storytellers
This seemingly simple feature opens up powerful new possibilities:
Context-rich titles and descriptions that provide insight alongside visualizations
Dynamic summaries that automatically update with your data
Multi-source reporting in a single text component—a first in Looker Studio history!
Streamlined executive reports with key metrics embedded in narrative form
How Query Result Variables Work
Under the hood, each variable works by:
Defining a query - Select dimensions, metrics, sorting, filters, and date ranges
Selecting a specific cell from the query result table
Formatting the value - Choose colors, number formats, and display options
Inserting the "chip" into your text where needed
Think of each variable as selecting a single cell from a table of data. You define the table through your query, then tell Looker Studio which specific cell to display.
Creating Your First Query Result Variable
To add a variable to your text:
Click in a text component where you want to insert the variable
Type the @ symbol
Select "Add variable" from the dropdown
Choose your data source
Define your query (dimensions, metrics, sorting, etc.)
Select which value from the result you want to display
Name your variable and set formatting options
Click "Save"
Your variable will appear as a colored "chip" in your text that will automatically update whenever the data changes.
Power Tips for Query Result Variables
Connect to Multiple Data Sources
For the first time in Looker Studio history, a single component can display data from multiple data sources, without blending! You can create text that includes:
"We had $25,000 in revenue from Google Analytics, but $27,500 according to Shopify."
Where each value comes from a different connected data source.
Create Ranked Values
Want to highlight top performers? Define your query with proper sorting and select specific rows:
"Our top three products last month were Google Bottle ($12,400), Google Tote ($9,800), and Google Pen ($7,200)."
Add Context to Your Visualizations
Use variables to provide context around charts:
"The average rating was 4.7 out of 5 based on 101 responses."
Set Custom Date Ranges
Each variable can have its own date range, independent of the dashboard's main date selector:
"Last month's performance: $45,200."
Performance Considerations
While powerful, Query Result Variables should be used thoughtfully:
Each variable creates a separate query to your data source
Too many variables can impact dashboard load time
When connecting to paid sources like BigQuery, each variable query may incur costs
Variables are subject to the data freshness settings of their source
Current Limitations
As a new feature, Query Result Variables have some limitations:
They don't work with blended data sources (yet)
Only one metric per query is allowed
You can't have conditional formatting based on the value
When values are tied in ranking, you can only select one
All instances of the same variable share the same color formatting
The Bottom Line
Query Result Variables may not sound exciting by name, but they represent one of the most significant improvements to Looker Studio's storytelling capabilities in recent history. By bringing dynamic data directly into your text components, you can create more informative, context-rich dashboards that truly tell the story behind your data.
Ready to See Query Result Variables in Action?
This blog only scratches the surface of what's possible with Query Result Variables. Watch the complete workshop here to see live demonstrations, explore advanced techniques, and learn how to implement this powerful feature in your own dashboards.
This workshop is part of our Looker Studio Masterclass series, where we explore advanced techniques for dashboard planning, data connection, transformation, visualization, interaction, sharing, and security.
