MRR Calculator
How to Use This Tool
Enter your starting MRR (if you have a current monthly recurring revenue figure). Then, input the new MRR you expect from new customers this month. Enter expansion MRR (additional revenue from existing customers upgrading). Enter contraction MRR (revenue lost from existing customers downgrading). Finally, enter churned MRR (revenue lost from customers canceling). Click Calculate to see your projected ending MRR and net change.
Formula and Logic
Ending MRR = Starting MRR + New MRR + Expansion MRR - Contraction MRR - Churned MRR
Net Change = Ending MRR - Starting MRR
Growth Rate = (Net Change / Starting MRR) * 100 (if Starting MRR > 0)
Practical Notes
- For e-commerce and traders, note that MRR is typically for subscription-based models. If you have one-time sales, consider converting to a monthly equivalent if you have repeat customers.
- Benchmark: A healthy MRR growth rate for small businesses is often between 10-20% month-over-month. However, this varies by industry.
- Pricing strategy: Ensure your average revenue per customer (ARPU) covers your customer acquisition cost (CAC) and contributes to positive gross margin. A common rule is that LTV (lifetime value) should be at least 3x CAC.
- Trade terms: If you offer annual contracts, convert to monthly by dividing by 12. For quarterly, divide by 3.
- Margin thresholds: Aim for a gross margin of at least 50-70% on your recurring revenue to ensure profitability.
Why This Tool Is Useful
Helps in financial planning and forecasting. Allows you to see the impact of customer acquisition, upgrades, and churn on your revenue. Enables data-driven decisions about marketing spend, product development, and customer success initiatives. Provides a clear picture of your business's revenue health and growth trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a starting MRR?
You can leave the starting MRR field blank (or 0). The calculator will then assume starting MRR is 0 and compute ending MRR based on the other inputs. The growth rate will not be displayed in this case.
How do I handle one-time purchases in an MRR calculation?
For businesses with mixed revenue streams, you can estimate a monthly equivalent for one-time purchases by averaging them over the expected customer lifetime. For example, if a customer typically buys every 6 months, divide the purchase amount by 6 and add to your monthly average.
What is a good churn rate?
For SaaS and subscription businesses, a monthly churn rate of 5% or less is considered good. For e-commerce and trade, if you have a membership or subscription component, aim for similar. However, benchmark against your industry.
Additional Guidance
Use this calculator monthly to track your MRR trends. Combine with other metrics like Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), and churn rate for a complete picture. If your MRR is declining, investigate the causes: high churn, low new MRR, or excessive contraction. Consider using this tool in conjunction with a cash flow forecast, as MRR does not account for timing of cash receipts.