Margins, break-even & unit economics · Working

Paid CAC

Also called: paid customer acquisition cost

ELI5

Acquisition cost calculated only from paid channels and attributed customers.

Used in conversation

“How are we defining paid CAC in this deck?”

Pitch context

You will see “Paid CAC” in financial models, budgets, board packs and investor materials when the discussion reaches margins, break-even & unit economics.

Why it matters: In margins, break-even & unit economics, different calculation boundaries, periods or accounting treatments can change the number and the decision.

Caution

Calculation, recognition and disclosure can vary by accounting framework, company policy and reporting context.

Sources & evidence · 4

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.