Metrics · Channel · Acquisition · Daily · $ · Updated 2026-07-21

What is Cost Per Click?

Short answer: The average amount paid for each click on a paid advertisement.

Definition

The average amount paid for each click on a paid advertisement.

Formula

Total ad spend / Number of clicks

How to measure

Divide total ad spend for a campaign by the total number of clicks that campaign received, as reported by the ad platform.

Why track it

CPC is the base efficiency unit for paid search and social campaigns, used to compare channels before conversion data is even available.

Example

A search campaign spending $500 and receiving 250 clicks reports a $2.00 CPC.

FAQ

What is Cost Per Click?
The average amount paid for each click on a paid advertisement.
How do you calculate Cost Per Click?
Total ad spend / Number of clicks
Why track Cost Per Click?
CPC is the base efficiency unit for paid search and social campaigns, used to compare channels before conversion data is even available.
What is Cost Per Click? Definition, formula, and growth use · Cofounderbase