SaaS Metrics Explained

SaaS numbers come from subscriptions, expansions, and churn. Treat these calculators as rough planning—not GAAP substitutes.

What are SaaS metrics?

Mostly recurring revenue momentum, churn in logos or dollars, acquisition cost efficiency, and how long customers stick or grow.

Revenue metrics

Start with the MRR calculator to calculate monthly recurring revenue from paying customers. Convert annual prepay to a monthly run rate before you compare MRR and ARR. Net revenue retention adds expansions minus churn-dollar losses.

Customer metrics

CAC divides spend by new customers—define “new.” LTV and payback calculators need gross profit and churn inputs that share one time horizon.

Retention metrics

Gross retention keeps upgrades out so you see churn plainly. Net retention folds expansion back when you judge land-and-expand health. Use the Churn Rate Calculator to measure subscription churn alongside MRR. Quick ratio contrasts new-plus-expansion against churn-dollar loss in one shorthand.

Recommended workflow

  1. Calculate MRR consistently month to month before you multiply to ARR.
  2. Split logo churn from failed payments when you can.
  3. Read NRR and GRR as a pair, not replacements.
  4. Add CAC, LTV, and payback with shared ARPU assumptions.
  5. Optional: quick-ratio check when contractions swing sharply.

Featured calculators

Related categories & hubs

Some links may be affiliate links. Details on our Affiliate Disclosure page.