# Data thresholds

> GA4 rules that withhold small rows of data so individual users cannot be identified.

Source: https://datacenter.so/glossary/data-thresholds
Also called: thresholding, GA4 thresholds.

GA4 applies data thresholds to stop anyone from inferring the identity or sensitive information of individual users from a report. When a threshold applies, rows are withheld and the data quality indicator says thresholding was applied ([Google](https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9383630)).

Thresholds are system defined and cannot be adjusted. Google names two common triggers: reports or explorations that include demographic data, and rows with search query information when there are not enough users. A narrow date range with few users makes them more likely.

Thresholding is different from [sampling](https://datacenter.so/glossary/sampling). Sampling estimates the whole from a part; thresholding hides small parts. Totals in a thresholded report can be lower than the sum you expect, because some rows are missing. Widen the date range or remove demographic dimensions to see more.

## Related terms

- https://datacenter.so/glossary/sampling
- https://datacenter.so/glossary/unique-visitor
- https://datacenter.so/glossary/consent-mode