What is CPC?
CPC, or cost per click, is the average amount you pay each time someone clicks your ad. To find it, divide your total ad cost by the number of clicks your ads received.
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How to calculate CPC
Divide your total ad cost by the number of clicks.
Why CPC matters
CPC tells you what it costs to bring a visitor to your site. It's the main cost metric for search and many social campaigns, and it feeds into CPA and ROAS.
It also helps with budgeting. Divide your budget by your CPC to estimate how many clicks you can expect.
What affects CPC
CPC depends on competition for the keyword or audience, your ad and landing page quality, your bids, and the platform. Seasonal demand also moves it.
On many platforms, higher quality can bring lower CPCs, since the auction rewards ads people find useful.
When CPC isn't enough
A low CPC doesn't mean good results. Cheap clicks from people who never convert can cost more overall than pricier clicks from buyers, so read CPC next to conversion rate and CPA.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only, and we don't guarantee the accuracy of its results. You're responsible for verifying any results before relying on them. See our terms of use.
Common questions
What does CPC stand for?
CPC stands for cost per click. It's the average price you pay for each click on an ad.
How do you calculate CPC?
Divide total ad cost by total clicks. For example, $2,000 spent on 1,600 clicks is a $1.25 CPC.
What is a good CPC?
There's no single good number. It varies by industry, keyword, and platform, so judge it by whether the clicks convert at a cost you can afford.
What is the difference between CPC and PPC?
PPC, or pay-per-click, is the advertising model. CPC is the price you pay per click within that model.
What is the difference between average CPC and maximum CPC?
Maximum CPC is the most you're willing to pay for a click. Average CPC is what you actually paid, which is often lower.
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