GRP (Gross Rating Points) Calculator
This calculator helps you determine the total Gross Rating Points (GRP) for a media campaign by simply summing the ratings of individual advertisements or spots.
Enter the rating percentage for each individual spot or advertisement airing in the fields below. Ratings are typically expressed as a percentage of the target audience reached by a single airing. Add more fields if needed.
Enter Spot Ratings (%)
Understanding GRP (Gross Rating Points)
What is GRP?
Gross Rating Points (GRP) is a measure of the size of an audience reached by a specific media vehicle or schedule. It represents the sum of the ratings for a given period of time. It measures exposure to the target audience. One GRP is equivalent to 1% of the target audience being exposed to the advertisement.
GRP includes duplicate views. If the same person sees the ad multiple times, each view contributes to the GRP total. This is why GRP is different from Reach (the number of *unique* people exposed).
GRP Formula (Basic Summation)
The most fundamental definition and the one used by this calculator is:
GRP = Sum of all individual spot ratings
For example, if an ad airs three times with ratings of 3.5%, 4.1%, and 2.9% among the target demographic, the total GRP for these airings would be 3.5 + 4.1 + 2.9 = 10.5 GRP.
GRP Formula (Reach & Frequency)
GRP is also related to Reach and Frequency by the formula:
GRP = Reach (%) * Average Frequency
Where:
- Reach (%): The percentage of the target audience exposed to the ad *at least once*.
- Average Frequency: The average number of times an exposed person within the target audience is exposed to the ad.
GRP Calculation Examples
Click on an example to see the step-by-step calculation:
Example 1: Simple TV Schedule
Scenario: A commercial airs on three different shows with the following ratings: Show A: 5%, Show B: 7.2%, Show C: 4.8%.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 5, 7.2, 4.8
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 5 + 7.2 + 4.8
4. Result: GRP = 17
Conclusion: The schedule delivered 17 GRP.
Example 2: Radio Campaign
Scenario: A radio ad airs five times in a week with ratings of 1.5%, 1.8%, 2.0%, 1.6%, and 1.9% for the target demographic.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 1.6, 1.9
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 1.5 + 1.8 + 2.0 + 1.6 + 1.9
4. Result: GRP = 8.8
Conclusion: The radio campaign achieved 8.8 GRP for the week.
Example 3: Single Spot Rating
Scenario: A single advertisement airs and achieves a rating of 6.3%.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 6.3
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 6.3
4. Result: GRP = 6.3
Conclusion: A single spot's rating is its GRP.
Example 4: Multi-Platform Campaign (Simplified)
Scenario: A digital video ad airs and gets a rating of 3.1%, and a connected TV ad gets a rating of 4.5% among the same target group.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 3.1, 4.5
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 3.1 + 4.5
4. Result: GRP = 7.6
Conclusion: The simplified multi-platform effort delivered 7.6 GRP.
Example 5: Long Campaign Period
Scenario: A campaign ran for a month with many airings. The ratings of the first four key airings were 8.1%, 7.5%, 9.0%, and 8.8%. (Note: A full campaign involves summing ALL airings).
1. Known Values (Ratings - First 4): 8.1, 7.5, 9.0, 8.8
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 8.1 + 7.5 + 9.0 + 8.8
4. Result: GRP = 33.4
Conclusion: These four spots contributed 33.4 GRP to the total campaign GRP.
Example 6: Very Low Ratings
Scenario: Several niche airings had very low ratings: 0.5%, 0.3%, 0.7%, 0.4%.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 0.5, 0.3, 0.7, 0.4
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.7 + 0.4
4. Result: GRP = 1.9
Conclusion: Summing even low ratings contributes to total GRP.
Example 7: Multiple Spots, One Rating
Scenario: An ad airs 6 times, and each airing achieved the same rating of 2.5%.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 2.5 + 2.5 + 2.5 + 2.5 + 2.5 + 2.5 (or 2.5 * 6)
4. Result: GRP = 15
Conclusion: Six airings at 2.5% rating each give 15 GRP.
Example 8: Calculating GRP for a Specific Day
Scenario: Calculate the GRP for a single day based on five spots aired: 3.8%, 4.2%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 3.9%.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 3.8, 4.2, 3.5, 4.0, 3.9
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 3.8 + 4.2 + 3.5 + 4.0 + 3.9
4. Result: GRP = 19.4
Conclusion: The total GRP for that day's schedule was 19.4.
Example 9: Campaign Across Networks
Scenario: An ad airs on two networks. Network A ratings: 2.1%, 2.5%. Network B ratings: 3.0%, 3.3%, 2.9%.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 2.1, 2.5, 3.0, 3.3, 2.9
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 2.1 + 2.5 + 3.0 + 3.3 + 2.9
4. Result: GRP = 13.8
Conclusion: The combined GRP for these airings across both networks is 13.8.
Example 10: Including Zero Ratings
Scenario: A schedule included some spots that achieved a rating of 0% (meaning no measured exposure in the target group for that specific airing), along with spots that had ratings: 0%, 4.5%, 0%, 5.1%.
1. Known Values (Ratings): 0, 4.5, 0, 5.1
2. Formula: GRP = Sum of Ratings
3. Calculation: GRP = 0 + 4.5 + 0 + 5.1
4. Result: GRP = 9.6
Conclusion: Zero-rated spots do not add to the GRP total, but they are included in the sum if reported.
Understanding Media Metrics
GRP is a fundamental metric in media planning and buying...
Common Units Reference (Ratings are Percentages)
Ratings are typically expressed as percentages. This calculator assumes you are entering the raw percentage number (e.g., "3.5" for 3.5%). Ensure consistent units/basis for your ratings.
| Metric | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | % of Target Audience exposed to a single spot | Percentage (%) |
| GRP | Sum of Ratings / Total Impressions | Points (or %) |
| Reach | % of *Unique* Target Audience exposed at least once | Percentage (%) |
| Frequency | Average number of exposures per reached person | Number |
Frequently Asked Questions about GRP
1. What does GRP stand for?
GRP stands for Gross Rating Points.
2. How is GRP calculated using this tool?
This tool calculates GRP by summing the individual percentage ratings of each ad airing or spot you enter.
3. What is the difference between GRP and TRP?
GRP is Gross Rating Points for the total population or a broad demographic. TRP (Target Rating Points) is calculated specifically for a *defined target audience* (e.g., Women 25-54). The calculation method (summing ratings) is the same, but the rating source is different.
4. Does GRP count duplicate views?
Yes, GRP includes duplicate views. If the same person sees an ad multiple times, each instance contributes to the total GRP.
5. What is a 'Rating' in this context?
A rating represents the percentage of the target audience (or total population, depending on the data source) that was tuned in to a specific program or saw a specific advertisement at a particular time.
6. What are typical GRP goals?
GRP goals vary greatly depending on the industry, campaign objectives, budget, target audience size, and market. There is no single typical number.
7. How is GRP related to Reach and Frequency?
GRP is the product of Reach and Average Frequency (GRP = Reach * Frequency). Reach is the percentage of unique people exposed, while Frequency is the average number of times they were exposed.
8. Can I enter decimal values for ratings?
Yes, ratings are often expressed with decimals (e.g., 3.7%), and this calculator accepts decimal inputs.
9. Can GRP exceed 100?
Yes, GRP can exceed 100, often significantly. Since it sums ratings and includes duplicate views, it's very common for a campaign to generate hundreds or even thousands of GRP.
10. What if a rating is 0%?
A rating of 0% means that airing did not register any audience within the measurement sample for that spot. Including it in the list still adds 0 to the total GRP, which is mathematically correct. This calculator handles 0 input correctly.
