Average CPC
Average CPC is the average amount an advertiser has paid for each click on their ads over a period, calculated by dividing total click cost by the number of clicks
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
It is a standard metric in Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising and other platforms. In auctions the actual price of each click is usually lower than the maximum bid because it depends on competition and ad quality, so average CPC reflects what was really paid.
It helps compare keywords, campaigns or periods and estimate budgets, but it does not show on its own whether spending is profitable: a low CPC with few conversions can cost more than a high one that converts well. It is therefore read alongside conversion rate and cost per acquisition.
Also known as
Average cost per click
Topics