Definition
SaaS quick ratio measures growth quality by comparing positive MRR movements to negative movements in a period.
Formula
Quick ratio = (new MRR + expansion MRR) / (contraction MRR + churned MRR)
Example
If new MRR is $40k and expansion is $10k, while contraction is $5k and churn is $15k, quick ratio = ($40k+$10k)/($5k+$15k) = 2.5.
How to use it
- Use it to assess whether growth is healthy vs leaky.
- Track by segment; blended ratios can hide churn pockets.
Common mistakes
- Comparing periods with different definitions of MRR movements.
- Using quick ratio alone without checking margin and payback.
Why this matters
This term matters because small changes compound in SaaS metrics. Use consistent definitions by cohort and segment so you can diagnose retention, payback, and growth quality.
Practical checklist
- Write a 1-line definition for "SaaS Quick Ratio" that your team will use consistently.
- Keep the time window consistent (weekly/monthly/quarterly) when comparing trends.
- Segment results (channel/plan/cohort) before drawing big conclusions from blended averages.
- Use a calculator that references this term (e.g., SaaS Quick Ratio Calculator) to sanity-check assumptions.
- Read the related guide (e.g., SaaS Quick Ratio: definition, formula, and how to use it) for context and common pitfalls.
Where to use this on MetricKit
Calculators
- SaaS Quick Ratio Calculator: Calculate the SaaS quick ratio: (new + expansion) / (contraction + churn).
- MRR Waterfall Calculator: Build an MRR waterfall: starting MRR + new + expansion - contraction - churn = ending MRR.
Guides
- SaaS Quick Ratio: definition, formula, and how to use it: SaaS quick ratio explained: (new + expansion) / (contraction + churn). Learn how to compute it and what it tells you about growth quality.
- MRR waterfall: reconcile starting MRR to ending MRR: A practical MRR waterfall guide: starting MRR + new + expansion - contraction - churn = ending MRR, with an example and pitfalls.
- Retention & churn hub: cohorts, GRR/NRR, and retention curves: A practical hub for retention measurement: churn rate, GRR/NRR, cohort retention curves, and how to set retention targets without getting misled by noise.
- MRR: what it means (and how to track it cleanly): A guide to MRR: definitions, what to include/exclude, and how to decompose MRR changes over time.