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LTV:CAC ratio

Lifetime value divided by acquisition cost — the core unit-economics health check.

The LTV:CAC ratio compares what a customer is worth (LTV) to what they cost to acquire (CAC). Around 3:1 is a common healthy target — you earn roughly three times what you spend to acquire. Below 1:1 you lose money on each customer; far above 3:1 you may be under-investing in growth.

Formula

LTV:CAC = LTV ÷ CAC

Example: $75 LTV ÷ $25 CAC = 3:1.

What a good result depends on

≈3:1 is the rule of thumb; the right number depends on payback time and cash.

Common mistakes

  • Using revenue-based LTV, which inflates the ratio.
  • Ignoring how long it takes to realise the LTV (payback period).
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