Canonical: https://www.strataigize.com/glossary/cost-per-install/
Description: Cost per install (CPI) is ad spend divided by the installs it produced.

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Mobile Growth

# Cost per install (CPI).

Definition

## What it _means._

Cost per install (CPI) is ad spend divided by the installs it produced. It is a price, not a verdict: a cheap install that never monetizes is expensive, and a costly install with strong lifetime value is cheap. CPI belongs next to cohort revenue, never alone.

Worked example

## In _practice._

Two campaigns run: one buys installs at half the CPI of the other, but its cohorts barely register revenue while the pricier channel’s users subscribe. Judged on CPI the wrong campaign wins; judged on cost per paying cohort the budget moves the right way.

Where this work happens: [User Acquisition](https://www.strataigize.com/services/mobile-app-marketing/user-acquisition/)

Related terms

-   [D7 ROAS](https://www.strataigize.com/glossary/d7-roas/)
-   [LTV to CAC ratio](https://www.strataigize.com/glossary/ltv-to-cac-ratio/)
-   [Cohort analysis](https://www.strataigize.com/glossary/cohort-analysis/)

## Put it in _context._

Bring your growth question to a free 30-minute consultation. We can work through what the numbers mean and which changes to consider.

[Book a growth consult →](https://www.strataigize.com/audit/)