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 becomes more useful when every input follows the same definition and reporting period. That keeps comparisons between campaigns, products, customers and 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 SpendUse the value from the same reporting period or scenario as your other inputs.
- Attributed Ad RevenueUse the value from the same reporting period or scenario as your other inputs.
- Complete the required inputsThe result updates automatically as the values become valid.
- Compare the resultUse 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%. The example shows how the formula behaves; replace the demonstration data with your own before using the result for planning.
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.
Check the definition of Ad Spend, Attributed Ad Revenue, the attribution or accounting rules behind those inputs, and any important 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 source 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.
What to calculate next
ACoS is widely used in ecommerce advertising to compare ad cost with attributed sales. A single metric rarely explains the whole decision, so compare this result with the related cost, conversion, margin or growth metrics below before acting on it.
Calculate return on ad spend from campaign revenue and advertising cost.
Calculate total advertising cost of sales against all revenue.
Calculate cost per acquisition or conversion.
Keep reporting periods and metric definitions consistent when moving between calculators. That makes the comparison more useful than treating each result as a standalone benchmark.