SaaS Metrics Glossary
SaaS metrics glossary for founders — MRR, NRR, burn, runway, and more
Plain-English definitions of the SaaS finance metrics investors ask about, with formulas founders can trust.
Formula: Clear definitions → better board conversations
Why definitions matter
Teams argue about metrics when definitions drift. A shared glossary keeps founder, finance lead, and investor looking at the same number — especially for MRR, churn, NRR, and burn.
Core metrics Monter Pulse tracks
MRR, ARR, net burn, runway, default alive/dead, NRR, GRR, Rule of 40, burn multiple, CAC payback, LTV:CAC, gross margin, and health score. Each is computed from founder inputs or Stripe sync on Growth.
How to use this glossary
Skim definitions before investor updates, then open the free Monter Pulse dashboard to plug in your real numbers and see live values instead of static examples.
FAQ
Is MRR the same as monthly revenue?
Not always. MRR focuses on recurring subscription revenue and excludes one-time fees unless you explicitly include them.
Why do NRR and GRR both matter?
GRR shows retention without expansion; NRR includes expansion. Strong NRR with weak GRR can hide churn covered by upsells.
Where should I start?
Start with runway, net burn, MRR, and default alive. Add NRR and CAC payback before you scale acquisition.