Points 101
Cents Per Point: How to Value What You Have
The one number that tells you whether a redemption is good. Formula, worked example, and the bands worth memorizing.
Cents per point (CPP) is the standard metric. Divide the cash value of what you're getting by the points you're spending, after taking out any cash you still had to pay.
Formula
(Cash price − fees you still pay) ÷ (Points required) × 100 = CPP
Example: $1,200 business flight ÷ 60,000 miles × 100 = 2.0¢ per mile
Below 1.0¢
Poor redemption — consider cash instead
1.0¢ – 1.5¢
Baseline — about what portals offer
2.0¢ and above
Excellent — aim for this on premium travel
Points Commander lets you set a custom CPP per program under Settings → Programs so your portfolio value reflects your real redemption strategy. See exactly how we calculate it →