# Cost per acquisition: what it is and how it works
> Cost per acquisition divides defined acquisition spend by the acquisitions obtained in a period.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/advertising/cost-per-acquisition.html

# Cost per acquisition

Cost per acquisition divides defined acquisition spend by the acquisitions obtained in a period

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It is necessary to clarify what counts as an acquisition and which costs are included. In advertising it can refer to a specific conversion, whereas CAC measures acquired customers with a defined scope of costs. The two metrics are only comparable if they share criteria.

Topics

[Marketing and sales](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/marketing-y-ventas)

## Variants and linked concepts

- **CPA.** CPA stands for cost per acquisition or cost per action, depending on the context. The result being counted should always be stated.

## Related concepts

- [Reach](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/scope.html)
- [Cost per click](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/advertising/cost-per-click.html)
- [Cost per lead](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/advertising/cost-per-lead.html)