In Google Ads, what does CPA stand for?

In Google Ads, the term CPA refers to Cost Per Acquisition. This metric is essential for advertisers as it measures the cost associated with acquiring a customer or a lead through a specific ad campaign. By tracking CPA, advertisers can assess the effectiveness of their advertising strategies—determining how much they are willing to spend to gain conversions, whether that means a sale, a sign-up, or another desired action. Understanding CPA allows marketers to optimize their budget allocation, refine targeting options, and enhance the overall return on investment (ROI) of their campaigns.

While the term "Cost Per Action" is often used interchangeably with Cost Per Acquisition, it typically refers more broadly to the cost incurred for any action taken as a result of an advertisement—not limited specifically to customer acquisition. Therefore, while that option is related, Cost Per Acquisition is the more precise term used in the context of Google Ads.