Microsoft Keyword Planner: real volumes and CPCs
Keyword Planner extracts verified search volumes, seasonal trends, and competitive bid estimates directly from Bing search engine query streams.
Why Bing search volumes reveal unique intent#
Third-party SEO and PPC tools frequently underestimate Bing volume by relying on blended search indices. Microsoft Keyword Planner reads directly from the proprietary Bing, Yahoo, and AOL query stream.
As explained in Microsoft Keyword Planner Documentation, 2026, Bing search volumes reflect a significantly higher proportion of corporate workstation searches.
Keyword discovery and competitor URL scanning#
Generate keyword ideas by entering core seed terms or scanning competitor landing page URLs. The tool extracts semantic keyword themes, historical monthly search trends, and top-of-page bid estimates as detailed in Microsoft Keyword Solutions, 2026.
B2B enterprise terms often show 30% to 50% lower estimated CPCs in Bing Keyword Planner compared to Google Keyword Planner.
Forecasting clicks, spend, and conversion volume#
Use the Forecast tab to model projected impressions, clicks, average CPC, and estimated conversions across varied bid levels before committing real media budget.
Exporting plans directly to active campaigns#
Add curated keyword clusters directly into new or existing campaigns with match types pre-configured, or export clean CSV files for bulk import into Microsoft Advertising Editor.
Explore our Microsoft Ads Hub for keyword sculpting tools.
Keyword Planner core metric definitions#
The table below defines the essential metrics provided in Microsoft Keyword Planner.
| Metric Name | Data Source | Strategic Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Monthly Searches | 12-month trailing Bing query logs | Overall commercial demand scale |
| Competition | Advertiser bid density (Low/Med/High) | Auction saturation and keyword difficulty |
| Top of Page Bid (Low) | Historical 20th percentile CPC | Minimum bid needed for mainline visibility |
| Top of Page Bid (High) | Historical 80th percentile CPC | Bid needed to dominate top position 1 |
Frequently asked questions#
Is Microsoft Keyword Planner free to use?
Yes, Microsoft Keyword Planner is completely free to use for anyone with an active Microsoft Advertising account.
Are search volumes in Bing Keyword Planner accurate?
Yes, search volumes reflect actual search query logs across the Microsoft Search Network (Bing, Yahoo, AOL, and partners).
Can I research keywords for specific geographic cities?
Yes, you can target keyword research by country, state/province, designated market area (DMA), or specific city.
How does Bing Keyword Planner differ from Google Keyword Planner?
Bing Keyword Planner reflects Bing's unique audience demographics, often showing higher desktop share and lower average CPC estimates.
Can I export Keyword Planner plans directly into Microsoft Ads Editor?
Yes, you can export plans as CSV spreadsheets formatted specifically for seamless bulk import into Microsoft Advertising Editor.
Read more on this topic#
The Microsoft Ads Hub
Free tools, campaign guides and live news for every Microsoft Ads format.
Open the hubGoogle Ads Import: schedule, currency, and translation traps
A practical guide to configuring Google Ads Import on Microsoft Advertising, automated schedules, and translation safeguards.
Read the entryMicrosoft Advertising Editor for bulk account changes
A complete guide to using Microsoft Advertising Editor for high-velocity bulk campaign management and offline edits.
Read the entryScheduled rules and automated alerts
A practical guide to creating automated rules, condition builders, and safety alert systems in Microsoft Advertising.
Read the entryReady to uncover low-cost, high-intent keywords on Bing?
folkfox conducts deep keyword research and commercial demand forecasting on Microsoft Advertising.