Calculating Average Time Spent on site

Description

Environment

• Analytics

Issue/Symptoms
Sequence calculation logic when segments are involved to calculate Average Time Spent on Site.

Resolution

‘Average Time on Site’ metric show the amount of time spent between hits for a given dimension item. Average Time on Site is calculated based on (Total Seconds Spent/sequences). A sequence is where a dimension item is the same for one or more consecutive hits.

However, there will be some difference in the calculation of ‘Average Time on Site’ when segments based on Hit or Visit container are involved. This is because of sequence calculation.

• If a segment is based on Visit container, the Average time spent on site is calculated by adding the total time spent in the visit divided by total number of hits (Sequences) made in that visit.
• Whereas, if the segment is based on Hit container, the Average time spent on site is calculated by adding the total time spent during the hits defined in segment divided by valid hits (based on the condition specified in the segment) only.

Example - Page vs Average Time spent on Site report

Segment condition:  Page equals A or B

Visit A                Page    Time Spent
Hit #1                    A            5
Hit #2                    B            11
Hit #3                    C            2
Hit #4                    D            2

Avg Time Spent on site (Visit segment) = (5+11+2+2)/4 = 5 seconds
Avg Time Spent on site (Hit segment) = (5+11)/2 = 8 seconds

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