What is GAQL (Google Ads Query Language)?
Google Ads Query Language (GAQL) is a SQL-like query language used to request data from the Google Ads API. It lets you select specific fields, apply filters, and order results from any Google Ads resource.
How It Works
GAQL looks and feels like SQL but is designed specifically for the Google Ads API. A typical GAQL query selects fields from a resource (like "campaign" or "ad_group"), applies WHERE filters, and specifies ordering. For example: SELECT campaign.name, metrics.clicks, metrics.cost_micros FROM campaign WHERE metrics.impressions > 1000 ORDER BY metrics.clicks DESC.
Unlike SQL, GAQL queries a predefined schema of resources and their fields — you cannot join arbitrary tables or create subqueries. Each resource (campaign, ad_group, keyword_view, search_term_view, etc.) has a fixed set of selectable fields and metrics. Google's API documentation lists every available field for each resource.
GAQL replaced the older AWQL (AdWords Query Language) when Google migrated from the AdWords API to the Google Ads API. The syntax is similar but the field names and resource structure changed significantly. If you find old tutorials using AWQL syntax, they will not work with the current API.
Why It Matters for Advertisers
GAQL is the only way to get granular data from Google Ads through the API. The Google Ads UI shows you predefined reports, but GAQL lets you pull exactly the data you need — specific fields, specific date ranges, specific filters. This makes it essential for custom reporting, automation, and advanced analysis.
The downside is that GAQL has a steep learning curve. You need to know the correct resource names, field names, and which fields can be selected together (not all combinations are valid). A single typo in a field name returns an error rather than a helpful suggestion.
How Ad Superpowers Helps
Ad Superpowers has a dedicated run_gaql tool that lets AI write and execute GAQL queries for you. Instead of memorizing field names and resource schemas, you just ask "Show me my top 10 keywords by conversions this month" and the AI constructs the correct GAQL query, runs it against your Google Ads account, and formats the results.
Our tool includes built-in GAQL recipes for common queries — campaign performance, keyword analysis, search term reports, audience insights, and more — so the AI has proven query templates to work from.
Related Terms
Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard created by Anthropic that lets AI assistants connect directly to external tools and data sources through a universal interface.
Cost per Acquisition (CPA)
Cost per Acquisition (CPA) is the average amount you spend on advertising to generate one conversion, whether that is a purchase, a lead, a signup, or any other defined action.
Click-Through Rate (CTR)
Click-Through Rate (CTR) is the percentage of impressions that result in a click. It is calculated by dividing the number of clicks by the number of impressions and multiplying by 100.
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