Skip to content
The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryCTV, Video & AudioRating Point

CTV, Video & Audio

Rating Point

One percent of a defined TV or radio audience universe tuned to a program or ad at a given time.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A rating point is one percent of a defined television or radio audience universe tuned to a program or ad at a given time. Rating points are summed across a schedule to calculate gross rating points, and they underpin TV and radio planning, pricing through cost per point, and audience guarantees.