YouTube CPM meaning
YouTube CPM is what advertisers pay for 1,000 ad impressions on YouTube, before YouTube's share. It is shown in YouTube Studio's revenue analytics for monetized channels.
CPM vs RPM on YouTube
CPM is the advertiser's price per 1,000 ad impressions. RPM is what you, the creator, earn per 1,000 views after YouTube's share, counting every view, including ones without ads. Under the YouTube Partner Program terms, creators receive 55% of net ad revenue on long-form videos, so RPM is always well below CPM.
How to calculate YouTube earnings from CPM
Earnings ≈ views × monetized share × CPM ÷ 1,000 × 0.55
Example: 100,000 views, 50% monetized, 8 CPM: 100,000 × 0.5 × 8 ÷ 1,000 × 0.55 = 220. RPM = 220 ÷ 100,000 × 1,000 = 2.20.
Why CPM differs by niche and country
Advertisers pay more to reach viewers who are likely to spend, so finance, software and business topics usually earn higher CPMs than entertainment, and viewers in high-income countries earn more than others. Rates also rise in Q4 when ad budgets peak. Use your own Studio numbers rather than lists of average CPMs. For ad buyers, the general CPM calculator works out CPM from spend.
YouTube CPM vs RPM example
Example: advertisers pay a $8 CPM on your videos and your monetised playbacks are about 60% of views. YouTube keeps 45% of ad revenue on long videos, so RPM is roughly 8 × 0.6 × 0.55 = $2.64 per 1,000 views. RPM is what you actually earn; CPM is what advertisers pay.
How to use this calculator
Enter video views, monetized playbacks and CPM. The result updates as you type, so you do not need to press Calculate after each change. Use Copy result to paste the figure into a report, or Share link to send the calculator with your numbers already filled in.
Related calculators
You may also want the CTR Calculator (Click-Through Rate), Email CTR and Click-to-Open Rate Calculator, CPM Calculator. Browse everything in ad cost metrics calculators.
Frequently asked questions
Do Shorts use the same split?
No. Shorts revenue is pooled and shared differently, so this calculator is for long-form videos.
Where do I find my CPM?
YouTube Studio, under Analytics, Revenue, once your channel is monetized.
Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter and are not financial advice.