A Google Product Category is a category from Google’s official taxonomy. You can submit its numeric ID or complete category path in a product feed. It is separate from your store’s own category.
Why Google uses categories
The category helps Google understand products, apply advertising rules and organize items in Shopping. Google can predict a category, but that result is not always the best or most specific option.
ID and path express the same category
Every category has a stable number and a readable hierarchical path. For a given category, both formats express the same meaning. Submit one format per product rather than both.
Be as specific as the product allows
Choose the deepest category that genuinely describes the item. Do not force a narrow category when only a broader one is accurate. Always inspect the entire path.
Google category versus store category
Your internal category supports navigation and reporting in your store. The Google category supports Google’s ecosystem. You can map one to the other without changing your storefront.
