CAC Calculator

Calculate what it really costs you to win a customer — blended across all channels, and from paid channels only.

Your result

Estimates for educational purposes, not financial or legal advice.

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How it works

Blended CAC divides all sales and marketing cost by all new customers, including the ones that found you organically. Paid CAC isolates the channels you can scale with money — which is what investors are funding.

Formula

  • Blended CAC = Total sales & marketing spend ÷ All new customers
  • Paid CAC = Paid spend ÷ Customers from paid channels
  • Investors trust paid CAC more — blended CAC flatters you with organic customers.

Frequently asked questions

Should salaries be included in CAC?

Yes, for sales and marketing people. Excluding them makes CAC look better than it is and experienced investors will add them back.

Why is paid CAC higher than blended CAC?

Blended CAC includes organic and referral customers who cost almost nothing. As you scale, the paid share grows, so paid CAC is the better predictor.

What is a good CAC?

One that is recovered from gross margin within 12 months and is at most a third of customer lifetime value. Check it in the LTV calculator.

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