Marketing glossary · CPA
What Is CPA in Marketing?
What Is CPA in Marketing?
Cost per acquisition explained, with the difference between CPA, CPC, CAC and conversion rate.
CPA
Formula
CPA = acquisition spend ÷ conversions
Example
$1,000 spend and 25 purchases = $40 CPA.
Why this term matters
CPA becomes useful when you connect it to the next business question. Pair it with the right denominator, time range and outcome; never optimize a single number without checking the quality of the underlying traffic or profit.
References and methodology
We use primary documentation where available and treat calculators as planning aids, not guarantees. Check the linked source when a platform changes its rules.
- Google Ads Help: About cost per conversion
Official Google Ads measurement reference.
Next step with GrowthGPT
Turn this answer into a repeatable growth workflow.
Use the free result as your starting point, then move the next campaign, creative or growth decision into GrowthGPT when the work becomes repetitive.