How to Calculate MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue)
Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) is the lifeblood metric for any SaaS business or subscription-based company. It represents the predictable and recurring revenue components of your subscription business.
MRR Calculation Formula
The basic MRR formula is:
MRR = Total Number of Customers × Average Revenue Per CustomerFor businesses with multiple pricing tiers (like most SaaS companies), the formula expands to:
MRR = Σ (Customers in Tier × Price of Tier)Types of MRR You Should Track
- New MRR: Revenue from newly acquired customers
- Expansion MRR: Additional revenue from existing customers through upsells or add-ons
- Churned MRR: Lost revenue from cancelled subscriptions
- Contraction MRR: Lost revenue from downgrades
- Net New MRR: (New + Expansion) - (Churned + Contraction)
Why MRR Matters for Your SaaS Business
MRR is essential for several reasons:
- Predictable Revenue: Unlike one-time sales, MRR helps you forecast future income
- Growth Tracking: Monitor month-over-month growth trends
- Business Valuation: Investors often value SaaS businesses at 5-10x ARR
- Decision Making: Make informed decisions about hiring, marketing spend, and product development
MRR Best Practices for Indie Hackers
- Track MRR consistently: Calculate it at the same time each month for accurate trends
- Exclude one-time fees: Only count recurring subscription revenue
- Normalize annual plans: Divide annual contracts by 12 to get monthly equivalent
- Monitor churn rate: Keep it below 5-7% monthly for healthy growth
- Focus on Net MRR: Growth isn't just about new customers, but keeping existing ones
Common MRR Mistakes to Avoid
- Including one-time setup fees or professional services revenue
- Counting free trial users who haven't converted to paid
- Not accounting for discounts or promotional pricing
- Forgetting to subtract refunds and failed payments
- Mixing cash received with recognized revenue (use accrual accounting)
From MRR to ARR: Understanding Annual Recurring Revenue
ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) is simply your MRR multiplied by 12. While both metrics measure recurring revenue, ARR is typically used for:
- Companies with annual contracts
- Businesses with ARR over $1M
- Long-term strategic planning
- Investor communications and valuations
Early-stage startups and indie hackers typically focus on MRR because it's more actionable for tracking month-to-month growth and making quick adjustments to strategy.