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

What is LTV:CAC Ratio?

Short answer: The ratio of customer lifetime value to customer acquisition cost, used as a shorthand for whether growth spend is sustainable.

Definition

The ratio of customer lifetime value to customer acquisition cost, used as a shorthand for whether growth spend is sustainable.

Why it matters for growth

A commonly cited healthy benchmark is 3:1 or higher; a ratio near 1:1 means the company is barely breaking even on every customer it acquires.

Example

A company with $1,200 LTV and $300 CAC has a 4:1 ratio, generally considered a healthy, scalable relationship.

FAQ

What is LTV:CAC Ratio?
The ratio of customer lifetime value to customer acquisition cost, used as a shorthand for whether growth spend is sustainable.
Why does LTV:CAC Ratio matter for growth?
A commonly cited healthy benchmark is 3:1 or higher; a ratio near 1:1 means the company is barely breaking even on every customer it acquires.
What is an example of LTV:CAC Ratio?
A company with $1,200 LTV and $300 CAC has a 4:1 ratio, generally considered a healthy, scalable relationship.