Measure the current state
Ads + agency or management + software + marketplaces + included internal labor.
Interactive calculator
True Marketing Cost Calculator
What is the complete monthly acquisition spend?
The operating reality
What is the complete monthly acquisition spend?
Ads + agency or management + software + marketplaces + included internal labor.
Use the same period for each input. Include only labor deliberately assigned to acquisition, not the entire office payroll.
Formula
What the calculator does
Ads + agency or management + software + marketplaces + included internal labor.
Read the result
Use the number as a decision baseline
Use the same period for each input. Include only labor deliberately assigned to acquisition, not the entire office payroll.
Change one input at a time to understand the lever. The calculator is educational and does not promise financial performance.
Input safety
Blank, zero, negative, and divide-by-zero handling
Blank and negative values resolve to zero. A fully blank calculation returns $0 and explains that only selected inputs are included.
Put it in context
Related operating guidance
Use the calculator with the principle and solution that explain the operating decision.
Simple dollar example
Make the economics visible.
$4,000 ads + $1,500 agency + $400 software + $600 marketplaces + $1,000 labor = $7,500 true monthly acquisition cost.
Illustrative only. Use your own numbers and assumptions; this is not financial advice or a guaranteed forecast.
Use your numbers
What do you think you spend on marketing each month?
Use one consistent period. Results use only your entries and are educational, not financial advice.
What changes
One clear rule. One accountable next action.
Keep the workflow accountable
Use the same period for each input. Include only labor deliberately assigned to acquisition, not the entire office payroll.
Frequently asked questions
Practical buying questions
Is this result a benchmark or forecast?
No. It uses only the values entered and provides an educational baseline. It is not financial advice or a guarantee.
Which period should I use?
Use one consistent period across every input. A monthly spend cannot be compared with annual closes without converting one of them.
What happens with missing or invalid inputs?
Blank and negative values resolve to zero. A fully blank calculation returns $0 and explains that only selected inputs are included.
Related reading
Keep following the operating system.
Want these numbers connected from lead to paying customer?
See how CloseDay would apply the workflow to your trade and market.
Book a Demo