# Cost per action (CPA)

Advertising cost divided by the number of defined actions, or a buying model that charges for those actions.

Advertising cost divided by the number of defined actions, or a buying model that charges for those actions.

## An example

A campaign spending $300 for 15 qualified signups has a measured CPA of $20.

## Why it matters

Define the action and qualification rule. CPA can mean action or acquisition depending on the report.


## Related terms
- [Attribution](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/attribution)
- [Attribution window](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/attribution-window)
- [Conversion](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/conversion)
- [Conversion tracking](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/conversion-tracking)

## Next step

[Explore advertising](https://jolts.xyz/advertisers) or [monetize your AI app](https://jolts.xyz/publishers).