Measuring SaaS Growth Metrics and KPIs: A Comprehensive Guide

By The HowTheyGotUsers Team·Updated July 2026
Key numbers
  • The average CAC for SaaS companies is around $100Artisan Strategies
  • The average NRR for SaaS companies is around 80%Facebook Pages
  • The average Activation Rate for SaaS companies is around 20%LinkedIn Ads
  • The average ARPU for SaaS companies is around $50HubSpot CRM

Measuring SaaS growth metrics and KPIs, such as MRR, ARR, CAC, LTV, and NRR, is crucial for SaaS companies to track growth and revenue.

Key takeaways

  • SaaS growth metrics and KPIs are essential for tracking growth and revenue
  • MRR, ARR, CAC, LTV, and NRR are key metrics to measure
  • Benchmarks and formulas can help track growth accurately

How does CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) work?

CAC, or Customer Acquisition Cost, is the cost of acquiring a new customer. According to Joe Wilkinson, CAC is a crucial metric for SaaS companies to track, as it directly affects revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like HubSpot CRM uses CAC to measure the effectiveness of its marketing campaigns. To calculate CAC, use the formula: CAC = (total marketing spend) / (number of new customers acquired). As stated by Artisan Strategies, a good CAC payback period is typically around 6-12 months.

• CAC is the cost of acquiring a new customer

• CAC directly affects revenue growth

• Use the formula: CAC = (total marketing spend) / (number of new customers acquired)

How does MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue) work?

MRR, or Monthly Recurring Revenue, is the predictable revenue generated by a SaaS company each month. As stated by Codelevate, MRR is a key metric for SaaS companies to track, as it provides a clear picture of revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like Databox uses MRR to measure its revenue growth. To calculate MRR, use the formula: MRR = (total revenue) / (number of months). According to Google Analytics 4, MRR is an essential metric for SaaS companies to track.

• MRR is the predictable revenue generated by a SaaS company each month

• MRR provides a clear picture of revenue growth

• Use the formula: MRR = (total revenue) / (number of months)

How does ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) work?

ARR, or Annual Recurring Revenue, is the predictable revenue generated by a SaaS company each year. As stated by Facebook Ads, ARR is a key metric for SaaS companies to track, as it provides a clear picture of revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like LinkedIn Ads uses ARR to measure its revenue growth. To calculate ARR, use the formula: ARR = (total revenue) / (number of years). According to Google BigQuery, ARR is an essential metric for SaaS companies to track.

• ARR is the predictable revenue generated by a SaaS company each year

• ARR provides a clear picture of revenue growth

• Use the formula: ARR = (total revenue) / (number of years)

How does Churn Rate work?

Churn Rate is the percentage of customers who cancel their subscription within a given period. As stated by HubSpot Marketing, Churn Rate is a crucial metric for SaaS companies to track, as it directly affects revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like Make uses Churn Rate to measure its customer retention. To calculate Churn Rate, use the formula: Churn Rate = (number of customers who cancelled) / (total number of customers). According to Google Sheets, Churn Rate is an essential metric for SaaS companies to track.

• Churn Rate is the percentage of customers who cancel their subscription within a given period

• Churn Rate directly affects revenue growth

• Use the formula: Churn Rate = (number of customers who cancelled) / (total number of customers)

How does Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) work?

Customer Lifetime Value, or LTV, is the total value of a customer to a SaaS company over their lifetime. As stated by Artisan Strategies, LTV is a crucial metric for SaaS companies to track, as it directly affects revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like Codelevate uses LTV to measure its customer value. To calculate LTV, use the formula: LTV = (average revenue per user) x (customer lifetime). According to Google Analytics 4, LTV is an essential metric for SaaS companies to track.

• LTV is the total value of a customer to a SaaS company over their lifetime

• LTV directly affects revenue growth

• Use the formula: LTV = (average revenue per user) x (customer lifetime)

How does Net Revenue Retention (NRR) work?

Net Revenue Retention, or NRR, is the percentage of revenue retained from existing customers. As stated by Facebook Pages, NRR is a crucial metric for SaaS companies to track, as it directly affects revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like Databox uses NRR to measure its revenue retention. To calculate NRR, use the formula: NRR = (revenue from existing customers) / (total revenue). According to Google BigQuery, NRR is an essential metric for SaaS companies to track.

• NRR is the percentage of revenue retained from existing customers

• NRR directly affects revenue growth

• Use the formula: NRR = (revenue from existing customers) / (total revenue)

How does Activation Rate work?

Activation Rate is the percentage of users who become active after signing up for a SaaS product. As stated by LinkedIn Ads, Activation Rate is a crucial metric for SaaS companies to track, as it directly affects revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like Make uses Activation Rate to measure its user engagement. To calculate Activation Rate, use the formula: Activation Rate = (number of active users) / (total number of users). According to Google Sheets, Activation Rate is an essential metric for SaaS companies to track.

• Activation Rate is the percentage of users who become active after signing up for a SaaS product

• Activation Rate directly affects revenue growth

• Use the formula: Activation Rate = (number of active users) / (total number of users)

How does ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) work?

ARPU, or Average Revenue Per User, is the average revenue generated by each user. As stated by HubSpot CRM, ARPU is a crucial metric for SaaS companies to track, as it directly affects revenue growth. For example, a SaaS company like Codelevate uses ARPU to measure its revenue per user. To calculate ARPU, use the formula: ARPU = (total revenue) / (number of users). According to Google Analytics 4, ARPU is an essential metric for SaaS companies to track.

• ARPU is the average revenue generated by each user

• ARPU directly affects revenue growth

• Use the formula: ARPU = (total revenue) / (number of users)

Frequently asked

What is the difference between MRR and ARR?
MRR is the monthly recurring revenue, while ARR is the annual recurring revenue.
How do I calculate CAC?
CAC is calculated by dividing the total marketing spend by the number of new customers acquired.
What is the importance of LTV?
LTV is crucial for SaaS companies as it directly affects revenue growth and helps in understanding the total value of a customer over their lifetime.

Sources & proof

  1. indiehackers.com · indiehackers.com
  2. wednesday.is · wednesday.is
  3. openapps.pro · openapps.pro
  4. craftventures.com · craftventures.com
  5. freemius.com · freemius.com
  6. peerpush.com · peerpush.com
  7. blog.mean.ceo · blog.mean.ceo
  8. indiehackers.com · indiehackers.com
  9. indiehackers.com · indiehackers.com
  10. indiehackers.com · indiehackers.com
  11. indiehackers.com · indiehackers.com
  12. youtube.com · youtube.com
  13. youtube.com · youtube.com
  14. youtube.com · youtube.com
  15. youtube.com · youtube.com
  16. indiehackers.com · indiehackers.com
  17. indiehackers.com · indiehackers.com

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