When Google removed the &num=100 search parameter — the method rank trackers used to pull the first 100 results in one go — it forced nearly every tool in the industry to rethink how deep they track and how often they refresh rankings. If you’re not familiar with what “num=100” actually means or why it matters, check out our explainer here: What Is num=100? Instead of adapting with more efficient data providers or smarter APIs, most trackers quietly reduced depth and update frequency to control costs. Here’s what that looks like today:
| Rank Tracker | Depth & Frequency | Notes |
| AccuRanker | Top 30 results daily Top 100 results twice per month | Reduced full-depth updates to lower data usage and API cost. |
| SE Ranking | 6 pages deep | Limits depth to balance speed and cost. |
| Authority Labs | 5 pages deep | Reduced depth after Google’s num=100 change. |
| Nightwatch | 5 pages deep | Similar cost-control limits on maximum SERP coverage. |
Google’s removal of the &num=100 parameter increased data costs for rank trackers by up to 10x, leading most tools to reduce tracking depth to 5-6 pages and update frequency. DataForSEO counters this with tiered pricing ($0.00465 for Top 100) and Stop-on-Match, enabling efficient deep tracking. SEO Maven lets users choose depth (10, 50, or 100 results) and pay only for what they use, restoring control and accuracy.
Why Are They Doing This?
In short: to control costs. When Google removed native support for pulling 100 results in one request, most rank trackers faced a 10× increase in data costs. Each page of Google now requires a separate query, so checking ten pages means ten times the workload and API expense. Rather than let users decide how deep to track, many platforms simply reduced their maximum depth, updated less often, or charged extra for “deep tracking.” The result? You get less visibility while paying the same or more.
Where DataForSEO Changed the Game
DataForSEO — the provider powering SEO Maven’s Rank Tracker — continues to lead the way. Their SERP API now uses a transparent tiered pricing model, where each page of 10 results costs about $0.0006, and each additional page costs roughly 75 % less. That means full Top 100 coverage runs about $0.00465 per keyword in the Standard Queue. Even better, DataForSEO recently added the new Stop-on-Match feature — which automatically ends the crawl the moment your site appears in the results. That means if you already rank on page 1 or 2, you skip the rest, saving 50–90 % of API costs instantly. This combination of tiered pricing + Smart Depth auto-stop makes deep tracking practical again — accurate data without wasted API calls.
Our Take: Let the User Control Depth
At SEO Maven, we believe control should be in your hands. Whether you care about page 1 or full Top 100 coverage, you choose your tracking depth — 10, 50, or 100 results — and pay only for the data you actually use, with Stop-on-Match automatically ending the crawl when your site is found. Every keyword. Every position. Every page. Powered by the same DataForSEO data trusted by leading SEO tools — now smarter and 50–90% more efficient.
Highlights
- Google’s removal of the &num=100 parameter increased data costs for rank trackers by up to 10x, prompting most tools to reduce tracking depth and frequency.
- Popular trackers like AccuRanker now limit to top 30 daily and top 100 twice monthly, while SE Ranking, Authority Labs, and Nightwatch cap at 5-6 pages deep to manage expenses.
- DataForSEO revolutionized post-update tracking with tiered pricing ($0.00465 for top 100) and Stop-on-Match, saving 50–90% on API costs by halting crawls once your site appears.
- SEO Maven empowers users with customizable depth options (10, 50, or 100 results) and pay-per-use model, ensuring efficient, accurate rankings without unnecessary fees.
Key Takeaway
The &num=100 update highlighted how outdated rank tracking methods inflate costs, prompting industry-wide reductions in depth and frequency that limit user insights. Forward-thinking solutions like DataForSEO’s API and SEO Maven’s customizable tracking restore full visibility, ensuring you get precise, cost-effective rankings tailored to your needs without compromises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the num=100 update?
The num=100 update refers to Google’s removal of the search parameter that allowed rank trackers to pull the first 100 search results in one request, leading to increased data costs for tracking tools.
How did rank trackers respond to the num=100 update?
Most rank trackers reduced their tracking depth and update frequency to control costs, resulting in less visibility for users while maintaining or increasing their fees.
What is DataForSEO’s approach to tracking after the num=100 update?
DataForSEO offers a tiered pricing model that allows for full Top 100 coverage at a lower cost, along with a Stop-on-Match feature that saves API costs by ending the crawl when a site appears in the results.
Why is it important to control tracking depth?
Controlling tracking depth is crucial for managing costs and ensuring that users only pay for the data they actually use, allowing for more efficient tracking of keyword rankings.
Conclusion
The removal of the &num=100 search parameter by Google has undeniably reshaped the landscape of rank tracking, compelling many tools to adapt in ways that may not always benefit users. As we have seen, the response from various rank trackers has largely been to cut back on tracking depth and update frequency, which can lead to diminished visibility for those relying on these tools for their SEO strategies.
However, the emergence of innovative solutions like DataForSEO demonstrates that there are still ways to achieve comprehensive tracking without incurring exorbitant costs. By offering a tiered pricing model and features like Stop-on-Match, DataForSEO is setting a new standard for efficiency and user control in rank tracking.
As SEO professionals, it is essential to stay informed about these changes and choose tools that align with your needs and budget. Ultimately, the ability to control tracking depth and access accurate data will empower you to make informed decisions that can enhance your website’s performance in search results.