Collect the matching inputs.
Use the same campaign, currency, date range and attribution window for revenue and spend. Allow conversions and refunds to mature and document modeled conversions.
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Acquisition · ROASReturn on ad spend.
Return on ad spend.
Connect ad spend to sales.
Return on ad spend measures attributed revenue for each unit of advertising spend. It is a revenue-efficiency ratio for a stated campaign and attribution model.
Start with your numbers.
ROAS calculator
01 / The definitionWhat is
What is
return on ad spend?
Return on ad spend measures attributed revenue for each unit of advertising spend. It is a revenue-efficiency ratio for a stated campaign and attribution model.
Different ad platforms may claim the same order. Platform ROAS cannot simply be added across channels and does not prove incremental sales.
02 / The measurementA clear formula.
A clear formula.
A useful comparison.
ROAS =Revenue attributed to ads ÷ Advertising spend
Read the result in context.
Compare the same channel and attribution rules. Your break-even threshold depends on contribution margin, repeat purchases and costs outside ad spend.
Document the comparison.
Keep the reporting dates, population, exclusions and calculation with every result. Show underlying counts as well as the average or rate, so a small sample does not look more conclusive than it is.
Illustrative example
From inputs to insight.
- Revenue attributed to ads
- 20,000
- Advertising spend
- 5,000
- ROAS
- 4×
4× ROAS: €4 of attributed revenue for each €1 of ad spend. It does not mean €4 of profit.
Try your numbers ↑03 / Industry benchmarksContext first.
Context first.
Targets second.
Compare the same channel and attribution rules. Your break-even threshold depends on contribution margin, repeat purchases and costs outside ad spend.
Use the source’s population and measurement rules to decide whether the comparison applies to your store.
Google Ads median ROAS
External context| Segment | Reported result |
|---|---|
| Apparel & accessories | 3.99× |
| Beauty | 2.81× |
| Home & garden | 3.48× |
Source: Triple Whale Google Ads benchmarks ↗. August 2025–July 2026. Attributed revenue ratios, not profit or causal returns. Compare attribution rules before applying these figures.
04 / Clerk customer evidenceReal stories.
Real stories.
Clear measurement limits.
We have not verified a published Clerk customer case with a quantified return on ad spend result matching this page’s definition.
What would count as useful evidence?
A case reporting revenue attributed to ads and advertising spend, with the time window and comparison method. General revenue growth or a related engagement metric does not establish this result.
Customer stories describe individual implementations. They are not industry benchmarks, guarantees or standardized causal tests.
05 / Put it into practice
Connect ad spend to sales.
Improve relevance from ad to product discovery and judge the combined effect on purchases and contribution, not clicks alone.
06 / Common questionsA little more
A little more
clarity.
How do I calculate return on ad spend?
Revenue attributed to ads ÷ Advertising spend. 4× ROAS: €4 of attributed revenue for each €1 of ad spend. It does not mean €4 of profit.
What should I check before comparing results?
Different ad platforms may claim the same order. Platform ROAS cannot simply be added across channels and does not prove incremental sales.
What is a good return on ad spend?
Compare the same channel and attribution rules. Your break-even threshold depends on contribution margin, repeat purchases and costs outside ad spend.
Does a higher attributed result prove incremental growth?
No. Attribution connects an interaction with an outcome under a reporting rule. To estimate what a change added, compare randomly assigned treatment and control groups using the same eligible population and a predefined measurement window.
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