Format presets
Select a format to pre-fill common CPM and RPM ranges so the YouTube CPM calculator mirrors the inventory you are planning.
Enter any two values and the YouTube CPM calculator instantly fills the third. Tweaking presets updates CPM and RPM to mirror each content format.
Interpreting YouTube CPM and RPM outputs
Below $2.50 CPM
Often linked to Shorts or broad awareness campaigns; monitor RPM to protect creator margins.
$2.50 – $8.00 CPM
Typical range for balanced campaigns that mix in-stream, in-feed, and discovery formats.
Above $8.00 CPM
Premium audiences, seasonal surges, or high-engagement niches where higher CPM is still profitable.
Plan smarter with precise YouTube CPM data
Match your media plan with the actual revenue signals from YouTube.
Scenario-based examples
Use these walkthroughs to align the YouTube CPM calculator outputs with real campaign goals.
Long-form tech review campaign
A consumer electronics brand promotes a 12-minute video to US audiences on desktop and TV.
Calculation Steps
- Budget: $4,000 at a forecast CPM of $7.20
- Impressions goal: (4,000 ÷ 7.20) × 1000 = 555,556 views
- If RPM averages $4.10, creators retain roughly $2,277 from that traffic
YouTube Shorts awareness flight
A direct-to-consumer brand tests Shorts ads targeting Gen Z audiences.
Calculation Steps
- Preset CPM: $2.10 with budget set to $1,200
- Projected impressions: (1,200 ÷ 2.10) × 1000 ≈ 571,428 views
- RPM reference at $1.40 indicates creators net about $800 from the same views
Membership funnel retargeting
A creator retargets engaged viewers with premium membership messaging.
Calculation Steps
- Historical CPM: $9.80 on desktop inventory
- Spend: $750 allocated to high-intent audiences
- Impressions: (750 ÷ 9.80) × 1000 ≈ 76,530 views with strong conversion potential
How to use the YouTube CPM calculator
Three quick actions to align your targeting, CPM, and expected revenue.
Enter two known metrics
Add campaign spend and impressions, or set an average CPM and projected views from YouTube Analytics.
Apply the format preset
Use the built-in presets to switch between long-form, live, or Shorts CPM ranges for accurate modelling.
Review instant outputs
The calculator fills in the missing value automatically and shows how adjustments impact revenue.
Why rely on this YouTube CPM calculator?
Focused guidance for advertisers, agencies, and creators who live on YouTube.
Creator-first presets
Quickly apply presets tailored to long-form uploads, live streams, and Shorts to evaluate how CPM shifts by format.
Campaign-ready breakdown
Translate CPM into total spend or impression volume in seconds, keeping client budgets accountable.
Revenue clarity
Compare CPM with RPM to understand the platform cut and optimize take-home earnings for each placement.
Industry benchmarks
Review typical ranges for US, EMEA, and APAC audiences so your YouTube CPM calculator results stay realistic.
Parameter reference for YouTube campaigns
Each field aligns with YouTube Ads Manager and creator monetization dashboards.
Total Cost
Overall media spend across YouTube inventory, including skippable, non-skippable, and Shorts ads.
Total Impressions
Delivered ad views counted by YouTube, excluding invalid traffic and limited inventory.
CPM
Cost per 1,000 impressions after platform fees, often ranging from $1.20 to $12 depending on audience quality.
RPM (Reference)
Revenue per 1,000 views from the creator perspective after YouTube’s revenue share.
Formulas behind the YouTube CPM calculator
Apply these equations to translate CPM goals into cost or reach.
Calculate CPM
Find the average cost per thousand impressions when you know total spend and delivered views.
CPM = (Total Cost / Total Impressions) × 1000
Example: A $1,500 budget with 320,000 impressions results in ($1,500 ÷ 320,000) × 1000 = $4.69 CPM.
Calculate Total Cost
Estimate the budget required to sustain a target CPM across a specific volume of YouTube views.
Total Cost = (CPM × Total Impressions) / 1000
Example: Targeting a $6.50 CPM for 450,000 impressions needs (6.50 × 450,000) ÷ 1000 = $2,925.
Calculate Total Impressions
Project the number of ad views supported by a set budget at a given YouTube CPM.
Total Impressions = (Total Cost / CPM) × 1000
Example: $2,000 in spend with a $5.80 CPM yields (2,000 ÷ 5.80) × 1000 ≈ 344,828 impressions.
YouTube CPM calculator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions from creators and media buyers.
The tool follows standard CPM and RPM formulas using your inputs. Actual returns vary due to viewer geography, device mix, ad inventory, and conversion rates, so treat every result as a projection.
Yes. Enter your latest RPM value in the reference field and compare it with CPM to understand platform revenue share. This complements any standalone youtube rpm calculator you may use.
Shorts CPM often ranges between $1 and $4. Use the Shorts preset inside the calculator to forecast cost and adjust bids until the reach matches your goals.
Currently the calculator outputs USD. Convert your budgets beforehand or multiply the result by the relevant exchange rate for accurate planning.
Test creative variations, broaden targeting slightly, rotate ad formats, and optimize upload cadence. Consistent experimentation keeps CPM competitive while protecting brand impact.
Disclaimer
All calculations are estimates. YouTube CPM and RPM fluctuate by season, geography, and content niche. Always validate with live campaign data before committing spend.