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

What is Cost Per Lead?

Short answer: The average marketing spend required to generate one new lead.

Definition

The average marketing spend required to generate one new lead.

Formula

Total marketing spend / Number of leads generated

How to measure

Divide total spend for a channel or campaign by the number of leads it generated in the same period.

Why track it

Cost per lead is an early efficiency signal for a channel, well before those leads have had time to convert into paying customers.

Example

A campaign spending $2,000 and generating 100 leads reports a $20 cost per lead.

FAQ

What is Cost Per Lead?
The average marketing spend required to generate one new lead.
How do you calculate Cost Per Lead?
Total marketing spend / Number of leads generated
Why track Cost Per Lead?
Cost per lead is an early efficiency signal for a channel, well before those leads have had time to convert into paying customers.
What is Cost Per Lead? Definition, formula, and growth use · Cofounderbase