Free Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) Calculator

Unlock the true value of your customers with our comprehensive CLV calculator. Make data-driven decisions about customer acquisition, retention strategies, and marketing budgets with AI-powered insights and industry benchmarks.

CLV Calculator

Calculate Customer Lifetime Value

What is Customer Lifetime Value and Why is it Critical?

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is the total revenue a business expects to earn from a customer throughout their entire relationship. It's one of the most important metrics for sustainable business growth, as it helps companies understand how much they can afford to spend on customer acquisition while maintaining profitability.

Research shows that businesses focused on CLV optimization see 2.5x higher revenue growth compared to those focusing solely on acquisition metrics.

How Do You Calculate Customer Lifetime Value?

CLV Formula

CLV = (Revenue × Gross Margin × Lifespan) - Acquisition Cost

This accounts for profitability and acquisition investment

What Are Typical CLV Benchmarks by Industry?

SaaS/Software

$1,000 - $50,000

High CLV due to recurring revenue and low marginal costs

E-commerce

$200 - $2,000

Varies significantly by product category and customer loyalty

Financial Services

$5,000 - $25,000

Long customer relationships with multiple product cross-selling

Retail/Fashion

$100 - $1,500

Seasonal patterns and brand loyalty significantly impact CLV

Healthcare

$2,000 - $15,000

Long-term patient relationships with ongoing care needs

Telecommunications

$800 - $3,000

Contract-based relationships with upgrade opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions About CLV

What's the difference between CLV and LTV?

CLV typically includes customer acquisition costs in the calculation, while LTV might focus purely on revenue generation.

How often should I calculate CLV?

Calculate CLV quarterly or monthly for fast-moving businesses. Annual calculations work for businesses with longer customer lifecycles.

What's a good CLV to CAC ratio?

A healthy CLV to Customer Acquisition Cost ratio is 3:1 or higher for sustainable growth.

Can CLV be negative?

Yes, if your customer acquisition costs exceed the profit generated over their lifetime. This indicates unsustainable practices.