The Math Behind Lead Generation: CAC, LTV, and Unit Economics

By Abe Node
January 23, 2026

Table of Contents

Stop guessing. Use math instead

If you don’t know these three numbers, you don’t know if your business is profitable.

The Three Numbers

CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost)

Total marketing spend / Number of customers acquired

LTV (Lifetime Value)

Average customer revenue / Customer lifetime

Payback Period

How many months until revenue covers CAC

The Golden Rule

Your LTV should be at least 3x your CAC. If it isn’t, your unit economics don’t work.

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