Business calculator

LTV:CAC Ratio

Compare customer lifetime value with customer acquisition cost.

What is the LTV:CAC Ratio?

Compare customer lifetime value with customer acquisition cost.

This Calcwise tool is built around the question a user is actually trying to answer. The main result explains the outcome in plain language, while the supporting figures show how the answer was produced.

How to use this calculator

  1. Replace every example value with your own numbers.
  2. Read the What this means guide directly under each input.
  3. Check the main answer and the supporting breakdown.
  4. Enable Pro mode to compare an alternate cac scenario without losing your main inputs.

Inputs used

  • Customer lifetime value — Use the same profit/revenue basis consistently. Example: 600
  • Customer acquisition cost — Cost to acquire one new customer. Example: 180

LTV:CAC Ratio formula

LTV:CAC ratio = customer lifetime value ÷ customer acquisition cost.

The formula is shown so the result is not a black box. Where the result is an estimate, the assumptions are stated explicitly.

Worked example

The calculator opens with a usable example: Customer lifetime value = 600, Customer acquisition cost = 180. The live answer above shows what those sample inputs mean. Replace them with your own values to get your result.

Important assumptions and limitations

Estimate only. Use your own values and check important decisions against the relevant provider, contract or official rule.

Results should be treated as a planning aid. Real prices, platform rules, contracts, taxes, institutional policies, technical performance and other conditions can differ from a simplified calculator model.

Pro mode: compare another scenario

Pro mode changes the most decision-relevant driver while keeping the rest of your inputs fixed. This makes it easier to answer questions such as “what if this cost is higher?”, “what if I have less time?” or “what if performance changes?” without rebuilding the whole calculation.

Frequently asked questions

What does the LTV:CAC Ratio calculate?

Compare customer lifetime value with customer acquisition cost.

What formula does the LTV:CAC Ratio use?

LTV:CAC ratio = customer lifetime value ÷ customer acquisition cost.

What should I enter in the LTV:CAC Ratio?

Use the examples shown under each field as a guide, then replace every sample value with the numbers from your own situation.

Is the LTV:CAC Ratio result exact?

Estimate only. Use your own values and check important decisions against the relevant provider, contract or official rule.