Calculation Guides
Formulas, benchmarks, and worked examples for every calculator on this site — organised into four focused topic clusters.
Your Guide to Marketing, Finance, Health & Math Calculations
Every calculator on GM Calculator has a matching guide that explains the formula behind it, walks through real-world examples, and shares expert tips. Whether you are a marketer optimizing ad spend, an investor projecting returns, a fitness enthusiast tracking your metabolism, or a student solving math problems, these guides give you the context and methodology behind the numbers.
Each guide follows a consistent structure: a plain-English explanation of what the metric or concept means, the formula with worked examples, industry benchmarks where applicable, interpretation guidance, and actionable strategies. All content is written or reviewed by credentialed experts — including a Chartered Financial Analyst, a registered dietitian, a digital marketing strategist, and a mathematics educator.
The guides are organised into four topic clusters, each anchored by a comprehensive hub page that links to every article in that category. This structure makes it easy to start with an overview and then dive into the specific calculation you need.
What You Will Find in Each Category
📊 Marketing
19 guides covering ROAS, CAC, CPM, CPC, CTR, conversion rate, LTV:CAC, churn, retention, ROI, CPA, and marketing budget planning. Includes the complete marketing metrics cheat sheet and ROAS vs ROI comparison. Start with the Marketing hub →
💰 Finance
11 guides covering compound interest, simple interest, loan payments, mortgage affordability, profit margins, savings goals, debt payoff, and investment returns. Includes year-end financial planning and step-by-step margin calculation methods. Start with the Finance hub →
❤️ Health
9 guides covering BMR, TDEE, body fat percentage, water intake, ideal weight, and health dashboard tracking. Includes the BMR vs TDEE vs RMR comparison and how to read nutrition labels. Start with the Health hub →
📐 Math
14 guides covering percentages, fractions, ratios, statistics, grades, equations, quadratics, Pythagorean theorem, scientific notation, discounts, tips, and date math. Includes a mental math series for quick everyday calculations. Start with the Math hub →
Why Trust These Calculation Guides
Every formula has been verified against primary sources — academic papers for health calculations, regulatory guidelines for financial formulas, and standard mathematical references. Each guide includes the specific formula used, the assumptions behind it, and its limitations. When multiple calculation methods exist (such as the three BMR formulas), we explain which is most appropriate for different scenarios and why.
All calculators and guides are reviewed by subject-matter experts whose credentials are listed on each page. Content is updated when benchmarks change, formulas are refined, or new research emerges.
Start Here — Complete Guides
These in-depth hub pages anchor each topic cluster. Each one covers every calculator in its category with formulas, benchmarks, examples, and cross-linked articles — start here to build a foundation.
Marketing Calculators: The Complete Guide to ROAS, CAC, CPM, CPC, CTR & LTV
4,000 wordsThe definitive hub for digital marketing calculations. Everything you need to measure, plan, and optimise paid advertising campaigns — ROAS, break-even ROAS, target ROAS, CPM, CPC, CTR, conversion rate, CAC, and LTV:CAC. All formulas, benchmarks, and free calculators in one place.
Finance Calculators: The Complete Guide to Compound Interest, Margins & Profit
3,800 wordsThe definitive hub for personal and business finance calculations. Understand how money grows with compound interest, how to price products for profit, and how to plan your financial future. All formulas, worked examples, and free calculators in one place.
Health Calculators: The Complete Guide to BMR, TDEE, Body Fat & Water Intake
4,200 wordsThe definitive hub for personal health metric calculations. From basal metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure to body fat percentage and daily water needs — understand your body with evidence-based formulas and free calculators.
Math Calculators: The Complete Guide to Percentages, Fractions, Statistics & More
4,500 wordsThe definitive hub for everyday and academic math calculations. Percentages, fractions, ratios, statistics, algebra, geometry, and date math — all explained with clear formulas, step-by-step examples, and free calculators.
⭐ Complete Guides — Start Here

Marketing Calculators: The Complete Guide to ROAS, CAC, CPM, CPC, CTR & LTV
The definitive hub for digital marketing calculations. Everything you need to measure, plan, and optimise paid advertising campaigns — ROAS, break-even ROAS, target ROAS, CPM, CPC, CTR, conversion rate, CAC, and LTV:CAC. All formulas, benchmarks, and free calculators in one place.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jan 1, 2024

Finance Calculators: The Complete Guide to Compound Interest, Margins & Profit
The definitive hub for personal and business finance calculations. Understand how money grows with compound interest, how to price products for profit, and how to plan your financial future. All formulas, worked examples, and free calculators in one place.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Jan 2, 2024

Health Calculators: The Complete Guide to BMR, TDEE, Body Fat & Water Intake
The definitive hub for personal health metric calculations. From basal metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure to body fat percentage and daily water needs — understand your body with evidence-based formulas and free calculators.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Jan 3, 2024

Math Calculators: The Complete Guide to Percentages, Fractions, Statistics & More
The definitive hub for everyday and academic math calculations. Percentages, fractions, ratios, statistics, algebra, geometry, and date math — all explained with clear formulas, step-by-step examples, and free calculators.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Jan 4, 2024
All Articles — 52

ROAS Explained: How to Calculate Return on Ad Spend (With Real Examples)
ROAS measures how much revenue you earn for every dollar spent on ads. But a 4:1 ROAS can be profitable or money-losing depending on your margins. Learn the formula, 5 real case studies from different industries, and how to present ROAS to stakeholders who control your budget.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jan 15, 2024

What Is CPM? How to Calculate, Lower & Benchmark Cost Per Mille
CPM tells you how much it costs to show your ad 1,000 times. Learn the formula, industry benchmarks for 2026, and 7 proven strategies to lower your CPM and stretch your ad budget further.
Alex Chen, MBA
Mar 10, 2024

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Formula, Benchmarks & How to Lower It
CAC is the total cost of acquiring a new customer. Learn the basic and fully-loaded CAC formulas, industry benchmarks, and 5 proven strategies to reduce your acquisition cost.
Alex Chen, MBA
Mar 15, 2024

CPC Explained: How to Calculate Cost Per Click & Reduce Your Ad Spend
CPC is what you pay each time someone clicks your ad. Learn the formula, max CPC bid calculation, industry benchmarks, and 5 tips to lower your CPC on Google Ads and Facebook Ads.
Alex Chen, MBA
Apr 5, 2024

Click-Through Rate (CTR): What It Is, How to Calculate It & How to Improve It
CTR measures what percentage of people click your ad after seeing it. Learn the formula, industry benchmarks, and how improving CTR lowers your CPC and boosts Quality Score.
Alex Chen, MBA
Apr 20, 2024

Conversion Rate (CVR): How to Calculate, Benchmark & Boost Conversions
Conversion rate measures the percentage of visitors who take a desired action. Learn the formula, industry benchmarks, and 6 proven CRO strategies to increase your conversions.
Alex Chen, MBA
May 10, 2024

LTV:CAC Ratio — How to Calculate Customer Lifetime Value & Why It Matters
Learn how to calculate Customer Lifetime Value (LTV), the LTV:CAC ratio, and payback period. Includes industry benchmarks and 5 strategies to improve your unit economics.
Alex Chen, MBA
May 25, 2024

Break-Even ROAS: How to Find Your Minimum Profitable Ad Spend
Break-even ROAS is the minimum return on ad spend you need to cover costs. Learn the formula, see examples, and find strategies to improve your break-even point for profitable advertising.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jun 10, 2024

Target ROAS: How to Set Revenue Goals & Max CPC Bids for Google Ads
Target ROAS helps you plan ad budgets and set bidding strategies. Learn how to calculate required revenue, determine max CPC bids, and use Google Ads target ROAS bidding effectively.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jun 25, 2024

The 8 Marketing Metrics Every Business Should Track (Complete Guide)
From ROAS to CAC to LTV — learn which marketing metrics matter most, how to calculate each one, and how to use them together for effective campaign optimization.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jul 15, 2024

What Is BMR? How to Calculate Your Basal Metabolic Rate (3 Formulas Compared)
Your BMR determines 60-75% of your daily calorie burn. Learn which of 3 formulas is most accurate for you, why crash diets permanently slow your metabolism, and age-specific strategies from a clinical dietitian with 12 years of experience.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Jan 20, 2024

TDEE Explained: How to Calculate Your Total Daily Calorie Needs
TDEE tells you exactly how many calories you burn per day. Learn the formula, the 5 activity levels, how TDEE differs from BMR, and how to set calorie targets for weight loss, maintenance, or gain.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Feb 5, 2024

How to Measure Body Fat Percentage: The US Navy Method & Healthy Ranges
Body fat percentage is a better health indicator than BMI alone. Learn the US Navy circumference method, healthy ranges by age and gender, and tips to improve your body composition.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Mar 20, 2024

How Much Water Should You Drink? A Science-Based Guide to Daily Hydration
Your daily water needs depend on weight, activity, climate, and diet. Learn the science behind hydration, how much water you actually need, and get a personalized drink schedule.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Apr 10, 2024

BMI, Ideal Weight & Waist-to-Height Ratio: How to Interpret Your Measurements
Learn how BMI, ideal weight formulas (Devine, Miller, Hamwi, Robinson), and waist-to-height ratio work together to give you a complete picture of your body measurements and health.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
May 1, 2024

How to Track All Your Health Metrics in One Place (Complete Dashboard Guide)
A health dashboard combines BMI, BMR, TDEE, water intake, and macros into one view. Learn how each metric connects and how to use them together for a complete health assessment.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
May 15, 2024

Compound Interest Explained: The Formula, Rule of 72 & How to Build Wealth
Compound interest grows your money exponentially. Learn the formula, see how compounding frequency affects returns, master the Rule of 72, and understand how inflation impacts your real returns.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Jan 25, 2024

Simple Interest vs Compound Interest: Which One Applies to Your Loan?
Simple interest vs compound interest — which one saves you money and which one costs you? Learn the formula, compare real loan scenarios, and see why $30,000 separates the two over 40 years.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Apr 15, 2024

Profit Margin vs Markup: What's the Difference & How to Calculate Both
Margin and markup are often confused but they measure different things. Learn the difference, the formulas for each, and how to convert between them for accurate pricing and profit analysis.
James Rodriguez, CFA
May 20, 2024

How to Calculate Percentages: 6 Formulas You'll Use Every Day
Percentages are everywhere — tips, discounts, taxes, growth rates. Learn 6 essential percentage formulas with real-world examples for business and everyday life.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Feb 1, 2024

How Much Should You Tip? A Complete Guide to Tipping Etiquette & Bill Splitting
Tipping conventions vary by country, service type, and bill size. Learn standard tip percentages for restaurants, hair salons, delivery, and more, plus how to split bills fairly.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Apr 1, 2024

How to Calculate Discounts: Percent Off, Stacked Deals & Sales Tax
Learn to calculate percentage discounts, find original prices from sale prices, and handle stacked discounts with sales tax. Includes examples from real shopping scenarios.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Apr 8, 2024

How to Simplify Ratios & Solve Proportions (With Real-World Examples)
Ratios are used in cooking, construction, finance, and science. Learn to simplify ratios, find missing values in proportions, scale recipes, and convert ratios to fractions and percentages.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Apr 22, 2024

How to Add, Subtract, Multiply & Divide Fractions (Step-by-Step Guide)
Stuck on fractions? Learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with clear step-by-step methods, common denominator tricks, and real-world examples from cooking, construction, and finance.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
May 5, 2024

How to Calculate GPA: Weighted, Unweighted & What-If Final Exam Scenarios
Learn to calculate cumulative GPA on 4.0 and 5.0 scales, understand weighted vs unweighted grades, and use what-if analysis to see what final exam score you need.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
May 15, 2024

Mean, Median, Mode & Standard Deviation: A Visual Guide to Statistics
Statistical calculations help you understand data. Learn mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, and quartiles with visual examples and step-by-step calculations.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
May 28, 2024

How to Calculate Percentage Increase & Decrease (With CAGR Formula)
Revenue grew 300% overnight? Stock up 45%? Sales target 15% higher? Percentage increase is the language of growth — and it's full of traps. Learn the formula, CAGR, and how to avoid the small-base deception.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Jun 5, 2024

How to Calculate Days Between Dates, Add/Subtract Time & Count Business Days
Date math is trickier than it seems — leap years, varying month lengths, and time zones all matter. Learn to calculate durations, add/subtract periods, and count business days accurately.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Jun 12, 2024

How to Solve Linear Equations: The 4-Step Method (With Examples)
Every equation tells a story. Learn the 4-step method for solving linear equations, plus quadratic, rational, and systems of equations — with real applications from break-even analysis to circuit design.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Jun 26, 2024

The Quadratic Formula Explained: How to Solve ax² + bx + c = 0
Three methods, one answer. Learn when to factor, when to complete the square, and when the quadratic formula saves the day — with real applications from profit maximization to projectile motion.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Jun 28, 2024

The Pythagorean Theorem: How to Find Missing Sides & Common Triples
a² + b² = c² is one of the most useful formulas in math. Learn to find missing sides of right triangles, discover common Pythagorean triples, and explore real-world applications.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Jul 1, 2024

Scientific Notation Made Simple: Convert, Calculate & Apply in Real Life
From the mass of a proton (1.67 × 10⁻²⁷ kg) to the distance to Andromeda (2.5 × 10⁶ light-years) — learn to convert, calculate, and apply scientific notation with real examples from astronomy, computing, and physics.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Jul 5, 2024

ROI Calculator: Complete Guide to Calculating Return on Investment
Learn how to calculate ROI (Return on Investment). Complete guide covering the ROI formula, gain calculator, cost calculator, investment comparison, and real-world examples.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jul 12, 2026

Marketing Budget Calculator: How to Plan & Allocate Your Ad Spend
Learn how to calculate your marketing budget based on revenue, industry benchmarks, and growth goals. Complete guide with channel allocation strategy.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jul 12, 2026

CPA Calculator: Complete Guide to Cost Per Acquisition
Learn how to calculate Cost Per Acquisition (CPA). Covers the CPA formula, benchmarks by industry, and how to optimize your acquisition costs.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jul 12, 2026

Customer Retention Rate Calculator: Complete Guide
Learn how to calculate customer retention rate and churn. Complete guide with formulas, benchmarks, and strategies to improve retention.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jul 12, 2026

Churn Rate Calculator: Complete Guide
Learn how to calculate customer churn rate, revenue churn (MRR churn), and average customer lifetime. Includes benchmarks and reduction strategies.
Alex Chen, MBA
Jul 12, 2026

Loan Calculator: Complete Guide to Loan Payments & Amortization
Learn how loan payments are calculated. Complete guide covering the loan formula, amortization, affordability, and extra payment strategies.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Jul 12, 2026

Mortgage Calculator: Complete Guide to Home Financing
Learn how mortgage payments are calculated. Complete guide covering PITI, the 28/36 rule, 15 vs 30 year comparison, and affordability.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Jul 12, 2026

Savings Goal Calculator: Complete Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals
Learn how to calculate monthly savings needed to reach your financial goals. Complete guide with inflation adjustment, investment returns, and timeline planning.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Jul 12, 2026

Debt Payoff Calculator: Snowball vs Avalanche — Which Is Best?
Learn how to pay off debt faster. Compare Debt Snowball and Avalanche strategies to find which method saves more interest and gets you debt-free sooner.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Jul 12, 2026

Investment Return Calculator: CAGR, Projections & Required Returns
Learn how to calculate investment returns including CAGR, total return, and annualized return. Complete guide with growth projections and inflation adjustment.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Jul 12, 2026

The Only Marketing Metrics Cheat Sheet You Need (ROAS, CAC, LTV, CPC, CTR & More)
Every marketing metric in one place — formulas, benchmarks, and when to use each one. From ROAS to LTV:CAC, this is the definitive reference for digital marketers.
Alex Chen, MBA
Aug 1, 2024

ROAS vs ROI: Which Marketing Metric Should You Actually Use?
ROAS and ROI both measure profitability, but they answer different questions. Learn when to use each, how they differ, and why using the wrong one can lead to bad budget decisions.
Alex Chen, MBA
Aug 15, 2024

BMR vs TDEE vs RMR: What's the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
BMR, TDEE, and RMR are related but different metrics. Learn what each measures, when to use which, and how they all fit together for effective weight management.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Sep 1, 2024

How Much Protein Do You Actually Need? (Based on Science, Not Hype)
Protein needs vary by activity level, goals, and body composition. Learn the evidence-based recommendations for sedentary adults, athletes, and those building muscle, with practical calculation methods.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Sep 15, 2024

Compound Interest vs ETF Returns: Where Should You Put Your Money?
Compound interest in a savings account is safe but slow. ETFs offer higher returns but with risk. Learn the historical comparison and how to decide based on your timeline and risk tolerance.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Oct 1, 2024

How to Calculate Profit Margin by Hand (No Calculator Needed)
You don't need a calculator to figure out your profit margin. Learn the simple mental math approach to gross margin, net margin, and markup — useful for quick estimates in meetings and negotiations.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Oct 15, 2024

How to Calculate a Tip in Your Head (3 Easy Methods)
No calculator? No problem. Learn 3 quick mental math methods for calculating tips at any restaurant — the doubling method, the moving decimal method, and the 10-5 trick.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Nov 1, 2024

How to Build an ROI Calculator in Excel & Google Sheets (Free Template)
Build your own marketing ROI calculator with a free spreadsheet template. Includes formulas for ROAS, CAC, LTV, and profit margin — all customizable for your business.
Alex Chen, MBA
Nov 15, 2024

How to Read a Nutrition Label: Calories, Macros & What Actually Matters
Nutrition labels are full of numbers, but which ones matter? Learn to quickly read calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, and serving sizes — and understand what the fine print means.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Dec 1, 2024

5 Calculators to Use Before Year-End for Smarter Financial Planning
Before the year ends, use these calculators to optimize your taxes, check your investment growth, review your savings rate, and plan next year's financial goals.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Dec 15, 2024
New Guides Added Regularly
We publish fresh calculation guides, benchmark updates, and optimization strategies every month.
Browse All Calculators →Our Writers
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Health & Nutrition SpecialistRegistered dietitian and exercise physiologist with 12+ years of clinical experience.
James Rodriguez, CFA
Finance & Investment AnalystChartered Financial Analyst with 10+ years in investment research and financial planning.
Alex Chen, MBA
Digital Marketing StrategistPerformance marketing expert with 8+ years managing multi-million dollar ad budgets.
Emily Watson, M.Ed.
Mathematics EducatorMathematics teacher and curriculum designer with 15+ years of experience.