Dollar-Based Net Retention (DBNR / NRR) Calculator 2027
Calculate your Dollar-Based Net Retention (DBNR / NRR) for a customer cohort — (Starting ARR + Expansion - Churn - Contraction) / Starting ARR. 120%+ = best-in-class.
DBNR Formula
DBNR = (Starting ARR + Expansion ARR - Churned ARR - Contraction ARR) / Starting ARR. Track for a specific cohort (e.g., customers acquired in Jan 2024) over 12 months. NOT same as gross retention (no expansion).
Best-In-Class Benchmarks
120%+ = top decile (Snowflake, Datadog have hit 150%+). 110-120% = strong public SaaS. 100-110% = OK private SaaS. <100% = leaky bucket (churn exceeding expansion). Investors value 120%+ at 2x+ revenue multiple premium.
Distinguishing From GRR
Gross Revenue Retention excludes expansion: GRR = (Starting - Churn - Contraction) / Starting. Always ≤ 100%. DBNR can exceed 100% via upsell/cross-sell. Both metrics needed — GRR shows raw stickiness, DBNR shows growth from existing customers.
Cohort Strategy
Calculate per cohort (acquisition month/quarter) to identify if certain cohorts churn faster. New ICP fit improving? Recent cohorts should show better DBNR than older ones. Track this trend, not just aggregate.
Source: SaaS Capital, OpenView, SaaStr benchmarks. Last updated: May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
DBNR vs NRR — same thing?
Yes — Dollar-Based Net Retention and Net Revenue Retention measure the same: ending ARR ÷ starting ARR for a cohort, including expansion. Terms used interchangeably.
Should I include new customers in DBNR?
No. DBNR is COHORT — same customers at start and end of period. New customers acquired during the period are a SEPARATE metric (gross new ARR).
What time period?
Standard = trailing 12 months. Some companies show quarterly DBNR (compares Q4 ARR of cohort to Q4 ARR of same cohort 1 year prior). Always specify the lookback period.
Why public SaaS reports DBNR every quarter?
It's the leading indicator of recurring revenue durability. Investors penalize companies that don't disclose. Best companies disclose both gross AND net retention.
Is my data private?
Yes. All calculations run in your browser. Inputs are never sent, stored, or shared.