GOOGLE's revenue grew 15 per cent in the fourth quarter but fell short of analyst expectations as a result of falling online advertising prices and currency fluctuations.

Consolidated revenue in the three months ended December 31 totaled $18.10 billion, compared to $15.71 billion in the year-ago period.

Chief financial officer Patrick Pichette said in a statement that revenue grew "despite strong currency headwinds".

Net income rose to $4.76 billion, or $6.91 per share, from $3.38 billion, or $4.95 per share, a year earlier.