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How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports

Learn how to set up Custom Metrics in GHL Customer Care dashboards. Build KPIs, use formula editor, customize charts, and track performance across reports.

6 min read1,402 words12 explained imagesUpdated Fri, 12 Jun at 8:18 AM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Custom Metrics
  2. How to Set Up Custom Metrics
  3. Open Dashboard
  4. Enter Edit Mode
  5. Add Widget
  6. Select Custom Metrics
  7. Create Custom Metric
  8. Choose Starting Point
  9. Confirm Selection
  10. Enter Metric Details
  11. Add Formula
  12. Advanced Settings
  13. Comparison Value
  14. Finalize Metric
  15. Frequently Asked Questions

Custom Metrics give you the flexibility to track the KPIs that matter most by combining data from different sources and applying your own formulas. In this article, you’ll learn what Custom Metrics are, why they’re useful, and how to set them up step by step.

Please note, this feature is available on plans $497 and above,

TABLE OF CONTENTS


What is Custom Metrics?

Custom Metrics let you build the KPIs that matter most to your business—right inside your dashboards and reports. Instead of exporting data to spreadsheets, you can combine numbers from different sources, run your own calculations, and instantly see results like conversion rates, ROI, or cost per acquisition.

You decide how the metric should look (percentage, currency, whole numbers, etc.) and add it as a widget to any dashboard or report. They also work with snapshots, so you can push them to new sub-accounts when needed.

Note: Custom Metrics now supports metric-level filtering and additional data sources (including Meta Ads and Google Analytics). For steps and examples, see Custom Metrics — Metric-level Filters, Meta Ads & Google Analytics Support.

Key Benefits of Custom Metrics

Custom Metrics bring flexibility and precision to your reporting by letting you design KPIs that truly reflect your business goals. Instead of relying on pre-set metrics, you can build your own formulas, adjust how results are displayed, and instantly visualize outcomes inside dashboards or reports. Here are the key advantages:

  • Personalized KPIs: Combine data from multiple sources and create metrics tailored to your unique business needs, such as ROI, conversion rates, or cost per acquisition.
  • Efficient Setup: Build new metrics from scratch or clone existing ones to save time and maintain consistency across reports.
  • Smart Formula Editor: Insert metrics from different data sources, add operators and constants, and use live validation to ensure error-free calculations.
  • Flexible Display Options: Choose how values appear—Integer, Float, Currency, or Percentage—for clear and relevant presentation.
  • Trend Direction Controls: Define whether an increase or decrease should be considered positive, aligning data with your business logic.
  • Customizable Charts: Rename charts, apply themes, and compare results across different time periods for deeper insights.
  • Seamless Integration: Use custom metrics across Dashboards, Custom Reports, and Snapshots, ensuring your KPIs are always accessible where you need them.

How to Set Up Custom Metrics

Open Dashboard

From the left-hand menu, click on Dashboard to access your reporting view. This is where you’ll manage widgets and set up new custom metrics for tracking key performance indicators.

Open Dashboard (image 1 of 12) What this shows From the left-hand menu, click on Dashboard to access your reporting view. What this shows Illustrates the "Open Dashboard" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Open Dashboard" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: From the left-hand menu, click on Dashboard to access your reporting view. This is where you’ll manage widgets and set up new custom metrics for tracking key performance indicators. Immediately after, the guide continues: Click the Edit Dashboard icon at the top right of your dashboard. This enables edit mode, allowing you to add or configure widgets, including custom metrics. Image 1 of 12 What to clickFrom the left-hand menu, click on Dashboard to access your reporting view. This is where you’ll manage widgets and set up new custom metrics for tracking key performance indicators.
Buttons and menus referenced Dashboard
Next stepClick the Edit Dashboard icon at the top right of your dashboard. This enables edit mode, allowing you to add or configure widgets, including custom metrics.

Enter Edit Mode

Click the Edit Dashboard icon at the top right of your dashboard. This enables edit mode, allowing you to add or configure widgets, including custom metrics.


Enter Edit Mode (image 2 of 12) What this shows Click the Edit Dashboard icon at the top right of your dashboard. What this shows Illustrates the "Enter Edit Mode" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Enter Edit Mode" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: Click the Edit Dashboard icon at the top right of your dashboard. This enables edit mode, allowing you to add or configure widgets, including custom metrics. Immediately after, the guide continues: In edit mode, click the Add Widget button at the top right. This opens options for inserting different types of widgets into your dashboard, including custom metrics. Image 2 of 12 What to clickClick the Edit Dashboard icon at the top right of your dashboard. This enables edit mode, allowing you to add or configure widgets, including custom metrics.
Buttons and menus referenced Edit Dashboard
Next stepIn edit mode, click the Add Widget button at the top right. This opens options for inserting different types of widgets into your dashboard, including custom metrics.

Add Widget

In edit mode, click the Add Widget button at the top right. This opens options for inserting different types of widgets into your dashboard, including custom metrics.

Add Widget (image 3 of 12) What this shows In edit mode, click the Add Widget button at the top right. What this shows Illustrates the "Add Widget" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Add Widget" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: In edit mode, click the Add Widget button at the top right. This opens options for inserting different types of widgets into your dashboard, including custom metrics. Immediately after, the guide continues: From the widget options panel, click on the Custom Metrics tab. This will display the tools you need to create personalized KPIs for your dashboard. Image 3 of 12 What to clickIn edit mode, click the Add Widget button at the top right. This opens options for inserting different types of widgets into your dashboard, including custom metrics.
Buttons and menus referenced Add Widget
Next stepFrom the widget options panel, click on the Custom Metrics tab. This will display the tools you need to create personalized KPIs for your dashboard.

Select Custom Metrics

From the widget options panel, click on the Custom Metrics tab. This will display the tools you need to create personalized KPIs for your dashboard.

Select Custom Metrics (image 4 of 12) What this shows From the widget options panel, click on the Custom Metrics tab. What this shows Illustrates the "Select Custom Metrics" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Select Custom Metrics" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: From the widget options panel, click on the Custom Metrics tab. This will display the tools you need to create personalized KPIs for your dashboard. Immediately after, the guide continues: Click the + Create Custom Metrics button to begin building your metric. This opens the setup flow where you can define and customize your KPI. Image 4 of 12 What to clickFrom the widget options panel, click on the Custom Metrics tab. This will display the tools you need to create personalized KPIs for your dashboard.
Buttons and menus referenced Custom Metrics
Next stepClick the + Create Custom Metrics button to begin building your metric. This opens the setup flow where you can define and customize your KPI.

Create Custom Metric

Click the + Create Custom Metrics button to begin building your metric. This opens the setup flow where you can define and customize your KPI.

Create Custom Metric (image 5 of 12) What this shows Click the + Create Custom Metrics button to begin building your metric. What this shows Illustrates the "Create Custom Metric" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Create Custom Metric" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: Click the + Create Custom Metrics button to begin building your metric. This opens the setup flow where you can define and customize your KPI. Immediately after, the guide continues: Select whether to Start from scratch to build a new metric or Clone existing to reuse a previously created one. This choice helps you either create fresh KPIs or save time by adapting an existing setup. Image 5 of 12 What to clickClick the + Create Custom Metrics button to begin building your metric. This opens the setup flow where you can define and customize your KPI.
Buttons and menus referenced + Create Custom Metrics
Next stepSelect whether to Start from scratch to build a new metric or Clone existing to reuse a previously created one. This choice helps you either create fresh KPIs or save time by adapting an existing setup.

Choose Starting Point

Select whether to Start from scratch to build a new metric or Clone existing to reuse a previously created one. This choice helps you either create fresh KPIs or save time by adapting an existing setup.

Choose Starting Point (image 6 of 12) What this shows Select whether to Start from scratch to build a new metric or Clone existing to reuse a previously created one. What this shows Illustrates the "Choose Starting Point" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Choose Starting Point" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: Select whether to Start from scratch to build a new metric or Clone existing to reuse a previously created one. This choice helps you either create fresh KPIs or save time by adapting an existing setup. Immediately after, the guide continues: After choosing either Start from scratch or Clone existing, click the Select button at the bottom. This confirms your choice and opens the setup form for creating your custom metric. Image 6 of 12 What to chooseSelect whether to Start from scratch to build a new metric or Clone existing to reuse a previously created one. This choice helps you either create fresh KPIs or save time by adapting an existing setup.
Buttons and menus referenced Start from scratchClone existing
Next stepAfter choosing either Start from scratch or Clone existing, click the Select button at the bottom. This confirms your choice and opens the setup form for creating your custom metric.

Confirm Selection

After choosing either Start from scratch or Clone existing, click the Select button at the bottom. This confirms your choice and opens the setup form for creating your custom metric.

Confirm Selection (image 7 of 12) What this shows After choosing either Start from scratch or Clone existing, click the Select button at the bottom. What this shows Illustrates the "Confirm Selection" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Confirm Selection" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: After choosing either Start from scratch or Clone existing, click the Select button at the bottom. This confirms your choice and opens the setup form for creating your custom metric. Immediately after, the guide continues: When setting up your custom metric, complete the following fields. Image 7 of 12 What to chooseAfter choosing either Start from scratch or Clone existing, click the Select button at the bottom. This confirms your choice and opens the setup form for creating your custom metric.
Buttons and menus referenced Start from scratchClone existingSelect
Next stepWhen setting up your custom metric, complete the following fields:

Enter Metric Details

When setting up your custom metric, complete the following fields:

  1. Metric Name: Provide a clear name (e.g., Revenue Growth Rate) so the metric is easy to identify.
  2. Data Type: Choose how the value should be displayed: Integer (whole numbers), Float (decimals), Percentage, or Currency.
  3. Description: Add a short explanation to clarify the purpose of this metric for you and your team.
Enter Metric Details (image 8 of 12) What this shows Metric Name: Provide a clear name (e.g., Revenue Growth Rate) so the metric is easy to identify. What this shows Illustrates the "Enter Metric Details" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Enter Metric Details" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: Metric Name: Provide a clear name (e.g., Revenue Growth Rate) so the metric is easy to identify. Data Type: Choose how the value should be displayed: Integer (whole numbers), Float (decimals), Percentage, or Currency. Description: Add a short explanation to clarify the purpose of this metric for…. Immediately after, the guide continues: The Formula field is where you define how your custom metric will be calculated. You can combine up to four different metrics, apply mathematical operators (such as +, -, ×, ÷), and add constants to shape the calculation. This flexibility…. Image 8 of 12 What to fill inMetric Name: Provide a clear name (e.g., Revenue Growth Rate) so the metric is easy to identify. Data Type: Choose how the value should be displayed: Integer (whole numbers), Float (decimals), Percentage, or Currency. Description: Add a short explanation to clarify the purpose of this metric for you and your team. Next stepThe Formula field is where you define how your custom metric will be calculated. You can combine up to four different metrics, apply mathematical operators (such as +, -, ×, ÷), and add constants to shape the calculation. This flexibility allows you to create KPIs that reflect your unique business logic, rather than being limited to standard metrics. For example, you could calculate a Conversion Rate by dividing the number of Won Opportunities by the number of New Leads, then multiplying by 100 to display the result as a percentage.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Metric Name: Provide a clear name (e.g., Revenue Growth Rate) so the metric is easy to identify.
  2. Data Type: Choose how the value should be displayed: Integer (whole numbers), Float (decimals), Percentage, or Currency.
  3. Description: Add a short explanation to clarify the purpose of this metric for you and your team.

Add Formula

The Formula field is where you define how your custom metric will be calculated. You can combine up to four different metrics, apply mathematical operators (such as +, -, ×, ÷), and add constants to shape the calculation. This flexibility allows you to create KPIs that reflect your unique business logic, rather than being limited to standard metrics. For example, you could calculate a Conversion Rate by dividing the number of Won Opportunities by the number of New Leads, then multiplying by 100 to display the result as a percentage.

Add Formula (image 9 of 12) What this shows The Formula field is where you define how your custom metric will be calculated. What this shows Illustrates the "Add Formula" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This animation appears in the "Add Formula" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: The Formula field is where you define how your custom metric will be calculated. You can combine up to four different metrics, apply mathematical operators (such as +, -, ×, ÷), and add constants to shape the calculation. This flexibility allows you to create KPIs that reflect your unique business…. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Advanced Settings section, you can specify the date property that applies to each metric used in your formula. This ensures that your custom metric is calculated consistently and tied to the correct time dimension. Image 9 of 12 What this coversThe Formula field is where you define how your custom metric will be calculated. You can combine up to four different metrics, apply mathematical operators (such as +, -, ×, ÷), and add constants to shape the calculation. This flexibility allows you to create KPIs that reflect your unique business logic, rather than being limited to standard metrics. For example, you could calculate a Conversion Rate by dividing the number of Won Opportunities by the number of New Leads, then multiplying by 100 to display the result as a percentage.
Buttons and menus referenced FormulaConversion Rate
Next stepIn the Advanced Settings section, you can specify the date property that applies to each metric used in your formula. This ensures that your custom metric is calculated consistently and tied to the correct time dimension.

Advanced Settings

In the Advanced Settings section, you can specify the date property that applies to each metric used in your formula. This ensures that your custom metric is calculated consistently and tied to the correct time dimension.

  • For example, if your formula includes Page Views and Appointments, each of these metrics may have its own associated date property:

    • Page Views → Visited On (the date the page was viewed).

    • Appointments → Created On (the date the appointment was scheduled).

  • The dropdown options shown here will change dynamically based on the metrics you selected in the formula step. Each metric will display only the relevant date fields that apply to it.

By choosing the right date property for each metric, you ensure that calculations like conversion rates or growth percentages are aligned with the correct time events. For instance, matching Page Views (Visited On) with Appointments (Created On) allows you to measure how many visits actually turned into booked appointments within the same timeframe.

Advanced Settings (image 10 of 12) What this shows By choosing the right date property for each metric, you ensure that calculations like conversion rates or growth percentages are aligned… What this shows Illustrates the "Advanced Settings" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Advanced Settings" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: By choosing the right date property for each metric, you ensure that calculations like conversion rates or growth percentages are aligned with the correct time events. For instance, matching Page Views (Visited On) with Appointments (Created On) allows you to measure how many visits actually…. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Comparison Value section, you define whether an increase or decrease in your custom metric should be considered positive. Image 10 of 12 What this coversBy choosing the right date property for each metric, you ensure that calculations like conversion rates or growth percentages are aligned with the correct time events. For instance, matching Page Views (Visited On) with Appointments (Created On) allows you to measure how many visits actually turned into booked appointments within the same timeframe.
Buttons and menus referenced Advanced Settingsdate propertyPage ViewsAppointments
Next stepIn the Comparison Value section, you define whether an increase or decrease in your custom metric should be considered positive.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. For example, if your formula includes Page Views and Appointments, each of these metrics may have its own associated date property:
  2. The dropdown options shown here will change dynamically based on the metrics you selected in the formula step. Each metric will display only the relevant date fields that apply to it.

Comparison Value

In the Comparison Value section, you define whether an increase or decrease in your custom metric should be considered positive.

  • Increase is positive – Select this if a higher value reflects business growth or success (e.g., revenue, number of appointments, new leads).
  • Decrease is positive – Select this if a lower value signals improvement (e.g., response time, churn rate, customer complaints).

This setting is important because it ensures that your dashboards and reports highlight changes in a way that aligns with your business goals. By marking the trend correctly, you make sure your team interprets performance shifts in the right context.

Comparison Value (image 11 of 12) What this shows This setting is important because it ensures that your dashboards and reports highlight changes in a way that aligns with your business goals. What this shows Illustrates the "Comparison Value" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Comparison Value" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: This setting is important because it ensures that your dashboards and reports highlight changes in a way that aligns with your business goals. By marking the trend correctly, you make sure your team interprets performance shifts in the right context. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once all details, formulas, and settings are complete, click Create to save your custom metric. The new metric will now be available to add as a widget on your dashboard or custom report, displaying results based on your defined logic. Image 11 of 12 What this coversThis setting is important because it ensures that your dashboards and reports highlight changes in a way that aligns with your business goals. By marking the trend correctly, you make sure your team interprets performance shifts in the right context.
Buttons and menus referenced Comparison ValueincreasedecreaseIncrease is positiveDecrease is positive
Next stepOnce all details, formulas, and settings are complete, click Create to save your custom metric. The new metric will now be available to add as a widget on your dashboard or custom report, displaying results based on your defined logic.

Finalize Metric

Once all details, formulas, and settings are complete, click Create to save your custom metric. The new metric will now be available to add as a widget on your dashboard or custom report, displaying results based on your defined logic.

Finalize Metric (image 12 of 12) What this shows Once all details, formulas, and settings are complete, click Create to save your custom metric. What this shows Illustrates the "Finalize Metric" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". This screenshot appears in the "Finalize Metric" section of "How to Create and Use Custom Metrics For Dashboard Reports". The text alongside this image reads: Once all details, formulas, and settings are complete, click Create to save your custom metric. The new metric will now be available to add as a widget on your dashboard or custom report, displaying results based on your defined logic. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: Can I combine metrics from different sources that use different date properties (e.g., Contacts Created Date vs. Opportunities Closed Date)? Image 12 of 12 How to confirmOnce all details, formulas, and settings are complete, click Create to save your custom metric. The new metric will now be available to add as a widget on your dashboard or custom report, displaying results based on your defined logic.
Buttons and menus referenced Create
Next stepQ: Can I combine metrics from different sources that use different date properties (e.g., Contacts Created Date vs. Opportunities Closed Date)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I combine metrics from different sources that use different date properties (e.g., Contacts Created Date vs. Opportunities Closed Date)?

Yes. When building your formula, each metric will present its own relevant date options in the dropdown. You’ll need to select the correct property for each (e.g., Created Date for Contacts and Closed Date for Opportunities). This ensures the formula calculates consistently, but it’s important to align your selections with the business outcome you want to measure—otherwise the results may not reflect the intended KPI.

Q: How do trend direction settings impact reporting accuracy?

Trend direction defines whether an increase in the metric is considered positive or negative. This affects how your dashboards and reports highlight changes. For example, if you set “Increase is positive” for Revenue, growth will display as a positive trend. However, if you mistakenly apply the same setting to Response Time, longer wait times will be marked as “positive,” skewing interpretation. Always verify your trend direction matches the metric’s intent.

Q: What happens if I clone an existing custom metric and the underlying data source changes later?

Cloned metrics remain linked to the original data sources and fields they were created with. If a field is removed, renamed, or its data type changes, the cloned metric may break or display errors in calculation. To fix this, edit the formula in the cloned metric and re-map the affected fields to ensure the calculation remains valid.

Q: Can I push custom metrics to other sub-accounts using Snapshots, and will the formulas remain intact?

Yes, custom metrics can be included in Snapshots and pushed to other sub-accounts. The formulas will remain intact as long as the destination account has access to the same data sources and fields. If those sources don’t exist in the receiving sub-account, the metric will appear but won’t calculate correctly until the missing fields are set up or mapped properly.

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