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Break-Even CAC Calculator

A fast scenario tool for simple purchase and subscription funnel economics.

  • Keep margin separate from fees so the math stays interpretable.
  • Use subscription mode when paid periods or trial leakage matter.
  • Current CAC comparison is there to show pressure, not to forecast with precision.

Mode

How it works

Result / output

Break-even CAC

$3.19

Break-even CAC equals expected gross profit per acquisition.

At these assumptions, you can afford up to $3.19 CAC before gross-profit economics turn negative.

Expected net revenue / acquisition

$3.89

Expected gross profit / acquisition

$3.19

Expected paid periods

3

Current CAC ($11.00) is above break-even.

Math details

net first payment = price × (1 - fee) × (1 - refund) = $8.24 expected paid periods = 1 + renewal count = 3 expected net revenue / paid user = $24.71 expected net revenue / acquisition = trial start × trial-to-paid × net revenue / paid user = $3.89 gross profit / acquisition = expected net revenue × gross margin = $3.19

Interpretation notes

Signals

Current CAC is above break-even under these assumptions.
Are percentages entered as 0–100 or decimals?

Enter them as normal percentages such as 12 or 65. The tool converts them internally.

Can break-even CAC be zero?

Yes. If refunds wipe out revenue or gross margin is zero, allowable CAC can fall to zero.

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