Calculate advertising cost of sales from ad spend and attributed revenue. Use it to turn your own business data into a clear result without building a spreadsheet.
ACoS Calculator
Test a different scenario
Change any scenario value below. Your original calculation stays unchanged.
Scenario calculations use the same formula and v2.5 validation rules as the main calculator. No scenario values are sent to Borkish.
Calculations and What-If scenarios run in your browser. Borkish does not require you to submit these values to calculate the result.
What the ACoS Calculator measures
ACoS is widely used in ecommerce advertising to compare ad cost with attributed sales. Plan, measure and improve paid advertising performance across search, social and display campaigns.
The result is most useful when every input uses the same definitions and reporting period. This keeps comparisons between campaigns, products, customers or time periods meaningful.
When to use this calculator
- Use the ACoS Calculator to compare campaign efficiency across channels or time periods.
- Set a practical target before increasing advertising spend.
- Review whether traffic, conversions and revenue are moving in the same direction.
Formula
Percentage results are most useful when the numerator and denominator come from the same population and reporting period.
How to use this calculator
- Ad Spend — enter the value from the same report, forecast or business period as the other inputs.
- Attributed Ad Revenue — enter the value from the same report, forecast or business period as the other inputs.
- Select Calculate. The result updates immediately.
- Compare the output with a previous period, target or relevant internal benchmark before making a decision.
Worked example
Using the demonstration values — Ad Spend = 1000, Attributed Ad Revenue = 5000 — the calculator returns 20%. This example exists only to show how the formula behaves. Replace every demonstration value with your own data before using the result for planning or analysis.
How to interpret the result
ACoS is widely used in ecommerce advertising to compare ad cost with attributed sales. Use these calculators when reviewing campaign reports, setting targets, estimating acquisition costs or deciding whether ad spend is producing enough return.
A stronger or weaker result does not always mean the underlying business is healthier or worse. Check the definition of Ad Spend, Attributed Ad Revenue, the attribution or accounting rules behind those inputs, and any costs or outcomes that the formula does not include.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using Ad Spend and Attributed Ad Revenue from different reporting periods or definitions.
- Comparing channels that count conversions differently without noting the difference.
- Treating one campaign metric as a complete measure of profitability.
Frequently asked questions
What does this calculator do?
Calculate advertising cost of sales from ad spend and attributed revenue.
Where should I get the input values?
Use your own advertising platform, ecommerce system, accounting report, CRM, analytics platform or forecast—whichever system is authoritative for the metric. Keep all inputs on the same basis and date range.
Is there one good result I should target?
Usually not. A useful target depends on your margins, acquisition model, operating costs, channel, market and business goals. Your own historical performance is often a better starting benchmark than a generic number.
Can I use this for forecasting?
Yes. Enter forecast values to model a scenario, but treat the output as an estimate based on those assumptions rather than a prediction of future performance.
For details about formulas, rounding and limitations, see our Calculator Methodology.