SaaS Growth Metrics: The Ultimate Guide to Measuring Success

By The HowTheyGotUsers Team·Updated July 2026
Key numbers
  • Average CAC payback period for SaaS companiesArtisan Strategies
  • Owen Knowles' SaaS company GRRIndie Hackers
  • Average NRR for SaaS companiesJeff Schmidt
  • Joe Wilkinson's SaaS company NRRIndie Hackers
  • Average CAC for SaaS companiesForth & Scale
  • Canva's CACOwen Knowles
  • Activation rate for Joe Wilkinson's SaaS companyIndie Hackers

SaaS growth metrics are crucial for measuring the success of a SaaS company, including revenue metrics, customer acquisition metrics, customer success metrics, and growth efficiency metrics.

Key takeaways

  • SaaS growth metrics are essential for measuring the success of a SaaS company
  • Revenue metrics, such as MRR and ARR, are critical for understanding revenue growth
  • Customer acquisition metrics, such as CAC and LTV, help optimize customer acquisition strategies
  • Customer success metrics, such as NRR and GRR, measure customer retention and satisfaction
  • Growth efficiency metrics, such as payback period and burn multiple, evaluate the efficiency of growth strategies

How does CAC Payback Period work?

The CAC payback period is a critical SaaS growth metric that measures the time it takes for a company to recoup the cost of acquiring a customer. According to Artisan Strategies, the average CAC payback period for SaaS companies is around 12 months. For example, Canva's CAC payback period is around 6-8 months, as reported by Forth & Scale. To calculate the CAC payback period, use the formula: CAC payback period = CAC / (MRR x Gross Margin).

• CAC payback period is a key metric for evaluating customer acquisition strategies

• Average CAC payback period for SaaS companies is around 12 months

• Canva's CAC payback period is around 6-8 months

How does Gross Revenue Retention (GRR) work?

Gross revenue retention (GRR) is a SaaS growth metric that measures the percentage of revenue retained from existing customers over a given period. According to Corporate Finance Institute, the average GRR for SaaS companies is around 90%. For example, Owen Knowles, founder of SaaS company, reported a GRR of 95% in an interview with Indie Hackers. To calculate GRR, use the formula: GRR = (Beginning MRR - Lost MRR) / Beginning MRR.

• GRR measures the percentage of revenue retained from existing customers

• Average GRR for SaaS companies is around 90%

• Owen Knowles' SaaS company reported a GRR of 95%

How does Net Revenue Retention (NRR) work?

Net revenue retention (NRR) is a SaaS growth metric that measures the percentage of revenue retained from existing customers over a given period, taking into account upgrades, downgrades, and churn. According to Jeff Schmidt, founder of SaaS company, NRR is a critical metric for evaluating customer success strategies. For example, Joe Wilkinson, founder of SaaS company, reported an NRR of 120% in an interview with Indie Hackers. To calculate NRR, use the formula: NRR = (Ending MRR - Lost MRR + Upgraded MRR - Downgraded MRR) / Beginning MRR.

• NRR measures the percentage of revenue retained from existing customers, taking into account upgrades, downgrades, and churn

• NRR is a critical metric for evaluating customer success strategies

• Joe Wilkinson's SaaS company reported an NRR of 120%

How does 17 Essential SaaS KPIs You Need to Know work?

The 17 essential SaaS KPIs, as identified by Artisan Strategies, provide a comprehensive framework for measuring SaaS growth and success. These KPIs include revenue metrics, customer acquisition metrics, customer success metrics, and growth efficiency metrics. For example, the KPIs include MRR, ARR, CAC, LTV, NRR, and GRR. By tracking these KPIs, SaaS companies can gain insights into their business performance and make data-driven decisions.

• The 17 essential SaaS KPIs provide a comprehensive framework for measuring SaaS growth and success

• KPIs include revenue metrics, customer acquisition metrics, customer success metrics, and growth efficiency metrics

• Tracking these KPIs provides insights into business performance and informs data-driven decisions

How does 17 SaaS KPIs for Effective Financial Modeling and Valuation work?

The 17 SaaS KPIs for effective financial modeling and valuation, as identified by Corporate Finance Institute, provide a framework for evaluating SaaS company performance and valuation. These KPIs include revenue metrics, customer acquisition metrics, customer success metrics, and growth efficiency metrics. For example, the KPIs include MRR, ARR, CAC, LTV, NRR, and GRR. By tracking these KPIs, SaaS companies can create accurate financial models and valuations.

• The 17 SaaS KPIs for effective financial modeling and valuation provide a framework for evaluating SaaS company performance and valuation

• KPIs include revenue metrics, customer acquisition metrics, customer success metrics, and growth efficiency metrics

• Tracking these KPIs enables accurate financial modeling and valuation

How does access Exclusive Templates work?

Access to exclusive templates, such as those provided by Artisan Strategies, can help SaaS companies streamline their operations and improve performance. For example, templates for calculating CAC, LTV, and NRR can help companies track their key metrics and make data-driven decisions. By using these templates, SaaS companies can save time and resources, and focus on driving growth and revenue.

• Exclusive templates can help SaaS companies streamline operations and improve performance

• Templates for calculating key metrics can help companies track performance and make data-driven decisions

• Using templates can save time and resources, and drive growth and revenue

How does acquisition Metrics work?

Acquisition metrics, such as CAC, LTV, and lead velocity rate, are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of customer acquisition strategies. According to Forth & Scale, the average CAC for SaaS companies is around $100. For example, Canva's CAC is around $50, as reported by Owen Knowles. By tracking these metrics, SaaS companies can optimize their customer acquisition strategies and improve their return on investment.

• Acquisition metrics are critical for evaluating customer acquisition strategies

• Average CAC for SaaS companies is around $100

• Canva's CAC is around $50

How does activation Rate work?

Activation rate, also known as the rate at which new customers become active users, is a critical SaaS growth metric. According to Jeff Schmidt, founder of SaaS company, activation rate is a key indicator of customer success. For example, Joe Wilkinson's SaaS company reported an activation rate of 80% in an interview with Indie Hackers. To calculate activation rate, use the formula: Activation Rate = (Number of Active Users / Total Number of New Customers) x 100.

• Activation rate measures the rate at which new customers become active users

• Activation rate is a key indicator of customer success

• Joe Wilkinson's SaaS company reported an activation rate of 80%

Frequently asked

What is the average CAC payback period for SaaS companies?
The average CAC payback period for SaaS companies is around 12 months, according to Artisan Strategies.
What is the importance of tracking SaaS growth metrics?
Tracking SaaS growth metrics is crucial for evaluating business performance, making data-driven decisions, and driving growth and revenue.
What are the 17 essential SaaS KPIs?
The 17 essential SaaS KPIs, as identified by Artisan Strategies, include revenue metrics, customer acquisition metrics, customer success metrics, and growth efficiency metrics.

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

Related tactics

Related answers