The POAS formula, explained step by step

POAS = ad-attributed gross profit ÷ ad spend. This guide breaks the formula into its inputs so you can compute it from your own store data with confidence.

6 min read

Live profit view

See POAS vs revenue-only reporting

Profit Bid connects store costs to ad spend so you bid on margin — not vanity ROAS.

Profit vs ad spend → derived POAS

  • Gross profit ($)
  • Ad spend ($)

POAS is the ratio between these lines. As profit outpaces steady spend, POAS climbs above 160%.

Track POAS automatically from your store — upload profit conversions and scale winners with A/C/X labels.

The five inputs behind POAS

Revenue is the ad-attributed order value. From it, subtract cost of goods sold, shipping cost or subsidy, payment and platform fees, and any refunds to reach ad-attributed gross profit.

Divide that profit by the ad spend that produced it. The result — usually shown as a percentage — is POAS.

A worked example

Say ads drove $10,000 revenue on $2,500 spend. COGS was $4,200, shipping $900, fees $300, and refunds $500. Gross profit is $4,100.

POAS = $4,100 ÷ $2,500 = 164%. The 400% ROAS looked twice as good, but 164% POAS is the number you can reinvest.

Step-by-step

Follow these in order — each step builds on the previous one.

  1. 1

    Pull ad-attributed revenue

    Export revenue attributed to ads for the period you want to measure.

  2. 2

    Subtract variable costs

    Deduct COGS, shipping, payment fees, and refunds to get gross profit.

  3. 3

    Divide by ad spend

    Gross profit ÷ ad spend = POAS. Track it as a percentage over time.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic — tap to read answers.

Is POAS a percentage or a ratio?

Both notations exist. 164% POAS and 1.64x POAS mean the same thing: $1.64 of gross profit per $1 of ad spend.

Where do I get COGS and fees?

From your ecommerce platform and payment processor. Profit Bid syncs them automatically so POAS stays accurate.

Pricing

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Select a plan and continue to secure checkout — POAS conversion upload included on every tier.

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