> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.upstackdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Subscription Recurring Purchase Cost: Ad Spend per Repeat Order

> Calculate advertising cost associated with repeat subscription orders. Analyze retention marketing efficiency.

<Tip>
  Subscription Recurring Purchase Cost measures advertising spend associated with repeat subscription orders.
</Tip>

## Formula

<Info>
  **Subscription Recurring Purchase Cost** = **Ad Spend** ÷ **Subscription Recurring Purchases**
</Info>

### Formula Components

| Metric                                                                                                         | Definition                                         |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| [**Ad Spend**](/reference/metrics/advertising/blended/blended-spend)                                           | Total advertising cost from connected ad platforms |
| [**Subscription Recurring Purchases**](/reference/metrics/funnel/conversions/subscription-recurring-purchases) | Count of repeat subscription orders                |

| Metadata        |                         |
| --------------- | ----------------------- |
| **Type**        | Currency                |
| **Data Source** | [Upstack Pixel](/pixel) |
| **Aggregation** | Ratio                   |

***

## Example

You spent **\$12,000** on advertising in January and had **2,137 recurring orders**.

| Metric                               | Value    | Notes                    |
| ------------------------------------ | -------- | ------------------------ |
| Ad Spend                             | \$12,000 | Monthly advertising cost |
| Subscription Recurring Purchases     | 2,137    | Repeat orders            |
| Subscription Recurring Purchase Cost | \$5.62   | Cost per repeat order    |

***

## How It Works

This metric divides your total ad spend by the number of recurring subscription orders. While recurring orders aren't directly caused by ads, this helps contextualize overall marketing efficiency.

***

## When to Use

| Scenario             | Action                                              |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| Marketing efficiency | Contextualize ad spend against retention            |
| Channel analysis     | Compare recurring order rates by acquisition source |
| Retention marketing  | Measure retention campaign effectiveness            |
| Cohort performance   | Analyze recurring rates by original source          |

***

## Related Metrics

| Metric                                                                                                               | Relationship                        |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| [Subscription Recurring Purchases](/reference/metrics/funnel/conversions/subscription-recurring-purchases)           | The denominator in this calculation |
| [Subscription Recurring Purchase Value](/reference/metrics/funnel/conversions/subscription-recurring-purchase-value) | Recurring revenue                   |
| [Subscription Initial Purchase Cost](/reference/metrics/funnel/conversions/subscription-initial-purchase-cost)       | Acquisition cost                    |

[See all Conversions metrics →](/reference/metrics/funnel/conversions)