CPC (Cost per Click)

Metric

CPC is the average amount paid to an ad platform each time a user clicks on an advertisement.

Layman Explanation & Analogy

CPC is what the toll booth charges every time someone clicks your link and visits your website from an ad.

Mathematical Formula

CPC = Ad Spend ÷ Total Clicks

Worked real-world example

$600 spent on Google Search resulting in 400 visits equals a CPC of $1.50 per click.

What people get wrong & common traps

A low CPC is not necessarily a win. Cheap clicks from accidental mobile banner taps or bot-heavy ad networks usually convert poorly. Always measure cost-per-conversion and revenue alongside CPC.

Last reviewed August 28, 2026.