YouTube RPM explained: RPM vs CPM with worked examples
RPM is the number that turns YouTube views into money, and it is often confused with CPM. This page uses YouTube's own definitions, shows the arithmetic, and links to a calculator that uses your own RPM. It sits in our creator monetization section; to see whether a channel qualifies at all, use the YouTube monetization checker.
By the Chelure Enterprises Editorial Team. Last reviewed . How we check our sources.
RPM and CPM, as YouTube defines them
| Term | YouTube's definition | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| RPM | Your total revenue (after YouTube's revenue share) per 1,000 views | After YouTube's share; per view |
| CPM | The cost per 1,000 ad impressions | Before YouTube's share; per ad impression |
The formula
Estimated earnings = monetized views ÷ 1,000 × RPM. The RPM figure is the one in your YouTube Studio analytics, not an industry average. Because RPM already includes YouTube's share, you do not subtract anything further.
Worked examples
These use made-up RPM values to show the arithmetic. They are not typical or expected values.
| Monetized views / month | RPM (example) | Estimated earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | $1.50 | 10 × $1.50 = $15.00 |
| 100,000 | $2.00 | 100 × $2.00 = $200.00 |
| 500,000 | $4.00 | 500 × $4.00 = $2,000.00 |
| 1,000,000 | $3.00 | 1,000 × $3.00 = $3,000.00 |
Why RPM differs between channels and months
- Revenue mix. RPM includes memberships, Premium, Super Chat and Super Stickers as well as ads, so a channel with more of those has a different RPM from one that earns only from ads.
- Format. YouTube pays ads on long-form videos and Shorts through different mechanisms (see how Shorts monetization works), so a mix of formats changes the blended number.
- Ad impressions per view. Not every view carries an ad, so RPM is per view, not per ad.
Revenue-share percentages by product are set out in the YouTube Partner Program guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does RPM mean on YouTube?
YouTube defines RPM as your total revenue, after YouTube's revenue share, per 1,000 views. It covers revenue from ads, channel memberships, YouTube Premium, Super Chat and Super Stickers.
What is the difference between RPM and CPM?
CPM is the cost per 1,000 ad impressions before YouTube's revenue share, so it describes what advertisers pay. RPM is what you earn per 1,000 views after the share, so it is the number that predicts your income.
Why is my RPM lower than the CPM I read about?
CPM is measured per ad impression before YouTube's share, while RPM is measured per 1,000 views after it. Not every view shows an ad, and YouTube keeps a share, so RPM is normally lower than CPM.
What is a good RPM?
YouTube does not publish typical RPM figures, and we do not state one: RPM varies with the audience's countries, the topic, the format and the time of year. Use the RPM shown in your own YouTube Studio analytics.
How do I estimate monthly earnings from views?
Divide your monetized views by 1,000 and multiply by your RPM. For example, 100,000 views at an RPM of $2 is 100 x $2 = $200. The $2 here is only an example to show the arithmetic.
Sources
- YouTube Help: RPM and CPM definitions (Analytics)
- YouTube Help: Revenue share
- YouTube Help: YouTube Partner Program overview
Primary sources opened on November 13, 2026. Prices come from our verified price table (see the methodology).