Keywords · Monetization · Finance · Updated 2026-07-21

What is Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)?

Short answer: The total revenue a business expects to earn from a customer over the entire duration of their relationship.

Definition

The total revenue a business expects to earn from a customer over the entire duration of their relationship.

Why it matters for growth

LTV sets the ceiling for how much a company can afford to spend acquiring a customer while still remaining profitable.

Example

A customer paying $50 a month who stays for 24 months on average has an LTV of $1,200.

FAQ

What is Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)?
The total revenue a business expects to earn from a customer over the entire duration of their relationship.
Why does Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) matter for growth?
LTV sets the ceiling for how much a company can afford to spend acquiring a customer while still remaining profitable.
What is an example of Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)?
A customer paying $50 a month who stays for 24 months on average has an LTV of $1,200.
What is Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)? Definition and growth use · Cofounderbase