KnowledgePaid Media / Metric explained
Cost per Click
CPC · The average amount you pay for one ad click.
The metric, at your level
Understand CPC in context.
Simply explained explanation
The average amount you pay for one ad click.
Professional explanation
Average advertising spend per paid click, commonly used to assess auction and traffic-acquisition efficiency.
Analytical explanation
When CPC rises, check auction pressure, placement mix, device, keyword intent and quality changes. Cheaper clicks are not always more valuable.
Technical explanation
Spend ÷ paid clicks for the chosen platform and reporting scope. Google Ads API: cost_micros / 1,000,000 / clicks. Exclude zero-click scopes.
Four complementary explanations — choose your level. Technical definitions are platform-specific where noted.
Calculation / definitionAd spend ÷ clicks
↗ How to use it
Evaluate CPC with CVR and CPA.
⚠ Common interpretation mistake
Do not compare CPC across very different placements without context.
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