How AdSense Revenue Works
Google AdSense pays website owners based on ad impressions and clicks. Your earnings depend on three core metrics: CTR (Click-Through Rate), CPC (Cost Per Click), and the total number of pageviews.
- CTR: The percentage of visitors who click on an ad. Average CTR ranges from 1% to 5%.
- CPC: The amount advertisers pay per click. Ranges from $0.05 to $5+ depending on niche.
- RPM: Revenue per 1,000 pageviews. A key benchmark for website monetization.
- Ad Units: More ad units can increase revenue, but too many may harm user experience.
AdSense Revenue Formula
Monthly Revenue = Pageviews × (CTR / 100) × CPC × Ad Units
Example: 100,000 pageviews × 2.5% CTR × $0.35 CPC × 3 units = $2,625/month
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good AdSense RPM?
A good AdSense RPM ranges from $2–$15 for most niches. Finance and legal sites can achieve $20–$50+ RPM, while entertainment blogs typically see $1–$5.
How much traffic do I need to earn $1,000/month?
At an average RPM of $5, you need approximately 200,000 monthly pageviews. Higher RPM niches require less traffic for the same income.
Does AdSense pay for impressions or clicks?
AdSense pays for both — CPC (cost-per-click) for clicks on ads, and CPM (cost-per-1,000 impressions) for display ads that show without clicks.
How often does Google AdSense pay?
Google AdSense pays monthly once you reach the $100 threshold. Payments are issued around the 21st of each month via bank transfer or check.