CPM Calculator
Cost per 1,000 impressions for ad campaigns
Buying or selling display ads? Enter your total cost and impressions to get CPM — the standard cost per 1,000 impressions — and the cost per impression.
What CPM means
CPM stands for "cost per mille" — the cost of 1,000 ad impressions. It's the standard way to price and compare display, video and social advertising. To compare two ad buys fairly, put both on a CPM basis: a $500 buy for 200,000 impressions is a $2.50 CPM.
CPM vs. CPC vs. CPA
CPM charges for views, regardless of clicks — good for awareness campaigns where reach is the goal. CPC (cost per click) charges only when someone clicks, and CPA (cost per acquisition) only when they convert. The right model depends on your goal: brand reach leans CPM, while direct-response advertisers care more about CPC and CPA further down the funnel.
Why a low CPM isn't the whole story
A cheap CPM in front of the wrong audience can cost more per result than a pricier, well-targeted placement. Always read CPM alongside engagement and conversion: multiply your CPM by the impressions you need, then check the ROAS and conversion rate that spend actually produced. Reach only matters if it reaches the right people.
CPM Calculator: frequently asked questions
How is CPM calculated?
Divide the total campaign cost by the number of impressions, then multiply by 1,000. $500 for 200,000 impressions is a $2.50 CPM.
Is a lower CPM always better?
Not necessarily — a cheap CPM on poorly targeted impressions can perform worse than a higher CPM in front of the right audience.
What is a typical CPM?
It varies widely by platform and targeting — display ads can run a few dollars per 1,000 impressions, while tightly targeted social or video placements often cost $10–$30+ CPM. Compare CPMs only within the same channel and audience.