Free paid media tool

See your real marketing ROI

Enter return generated and total marketing cost to calculate ROI, net profit, and a clearer read on whether a campaign really paid off.

Free tool

Live calculator

Marketing ROI Calculator

Cost mode

Use this as a framing label for your own calculation approach.

Result

Enter your numbers to generate a live result.

The calculator updates instantly once the input is valid, and you can copy or share the output right away.

What this calculator does

Calculates ROI from return generated and total cost.
Shows net profit so the result reads in dollars as well as percentages.
Helps separate strong revenue ratios from true business return.

Formula / methodology

ROI = ((return generated - total marketing cost) / total marketing cost) x 100

Use the same attribution logic for both return and cost inputs.

Negative ROI is displayed clearly and not hidden behind formatting.

This tool does not model CAC payback, LTV, or accounting treatment.

Example inputs and outputs

Positive ROI

Input: Return 10,000, cost 5,000

Output: ROI 100%, net profit 5,000

Negative ROI

Input: Return 8,000, cost 10,000

Output: ROI -20%, net loss 2,000

Common mistakes

Mixing ROAS and ROI language even though the cost bases differ.
Leaving out tool, agency, or production cost when asking an ROI question.
Comparing ROI across channels with inconsistent attribution rules.

When to use ROI instead of ROAS

Use ROI when the decision depends on the full cost picture, not just media spend.

Use ROAS

For fast campaign efficiency checks and channel triage.

Use ROI

For budget decisions that depend on net value after costs.

FAQ

Can ROI be negative?

Yes. If the return generated is lower than total cost, ROI is negative and the tool shows that clearly.

Should I use all costs or ad spend only?

Use all costs when you need a business-quality answer. Use ad spend only when you want a narrower media-efficiency view.

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