--- title: "Fractional CMO Cost Calculator" url: "https://yanivgoldenberg.com/tools/fractional-cmo-cost-calculator/" language: en description: "Compare a full-time hire, fractional engagement and agency on explicit cost and capacity, and see when each fits the requirement you actually have." --- # Fractional CMO Cost Calculator Growth decision tools Fractional CMO Cost Calculator Compare a full-time hire, fractional engagement and agency on explicit cost and capacity. The calculator shows when each could fit the requirement you actually have. [Choose another tool](https://yanivgoldenberg.com/free-tools/) The lowest retainer does not settle the leadership decision A founder evaluating marketing leadership needs to compare ownership, available time and the work that must get done. A full-time leader, fractional operator and specialist agency provide different capacity. Keep the cost comparison separate from the scope decision; a cheaper option can leave an expensive responsibility uncovered. Method and assumptions Full-time cost includes salary, bonus, payroll or benefits burden, recruitment and onboarding assumptions. Fractional and agency scenarios include monthly retainers, setup or transition costs and any internal coordination cost. Calculate six- and twelve-month totals using the same currency and period. Editable examples are assumptions, not salary research or a quote from me. Leads needed to pay back each option Add your gross profit per new customer and your lead-to-customer rate, and the calculator shows how many new customers and leads a month each option needs to cover its monthly run-rate: run-rate ÷ gross profit per customer, then ÷ the lead-to-customer rate. This is the breakeven method Grow and Convert published for content ROI, applied to leadership cost. Your numbers only; nothing here is a quote or a benchmark. An illustrative example Consider a business with a full-time leadership requirement and a capable candidate whose total annual cost is lower than a high-retainer fractional arrangement. In that case the employee can win the cost comparison as well as the capacity assessment. A smaller scoped requirement can favor a fractional engagement, but the calculator should not make that choice automatically. Turn the result into a useful next step Write down which decisions the leader must own, how much weekly capacity is needed, and which specialists already exist in your business. Compare the cash totals, then review the uncovered work. I personally deliver fractional marketing leadership; I can also tell you when hiring internally makes more sense. What the result can establish The result excludes costs you do not enter and cannot verify local employment obligations, compensation benchmarks, candidate quality or time to impact. An agency retainer and an individual leader’s time are not equivalent units of delivery. Questions before you use the result Are the example costs market benchmarks? No. They are editable illustrative inputs. Use your own offers, compensation research and financial assumptions for a decision. How many leads do I need to pay back a fractional CMO? Add your gross profit per new customer and your lead-to-customer rate under payback economics. The calculator divides each option’s monthly run-rate by the gross profit per customer, then by the lead-to-customer rate, and shows the customers and leads a month each option needs. The numbers are yours; nothing is a quote or a benchmark. Will the calculator always recommend fractional? No. It compares entered costs and identifies scope trade-offs. Full-time leadership may be less expensive or better suited to the required capacity. Can I compare currencies? Choose one currency for a scenario. The tool formats values; it does not retrieve exchange rates or convert a salary between countries. Does the fractional input quote your fee? No. It is your modeling assumption. I scope an engagement personally around the work, responsibility and capacity required. Will I be asked for my email before I can use the cost comparison? No email needed. The cost comparison works without a gate, and contacting me about an engagement is an optional next step you can skip. Who delivers the consulting work? I deliver it myself. In a fractional engagement I personally lead and do the agreed work. You retain your own responsibilities and approve access, and the scope is agreed between you and me. Connect the decision to action [Fractional CMO](https://yanivgoldenberg.com/fractional-cmo/) [CAC payback calculator](https://yanivgoldenberg.com/tools/cac-payback-calculator/) [Explore all decision tools](https://yanivgoldenberg.com/free-tools/) [Discuss the scope with me](https://yanivgoldenberg.com/contact/) Work with me on the next decision I personally review the business problem, agree the scope with you and deliver the work. Bring the questions the tool helped you identify. [Talk to me](https://yanivgoldenberg.com/contact/)