RPM vs CPM explained simply

Understand the difference between ad-side pricing and what actually lands in your account.

CPM is not your paycheck

CPM usually refers to the advertiser side cost per thousand impressions. It can be useful context, but it is not the same as creator take-home pay.

When creators quote CPM as if it were their earnings, they often overstate what they can expect to keep.

RPM is usually the better planning number

RPM is a more practical planning metric because it is closer to what you receive per thousand views after the platform share and revenue realities are reflected.

That is why the calculators let you edit RPM directly and even switch platforms instead of forcing one preset number.