CPC (Cost per Click)
MetricCPC 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.