HomeFinance & EconomicsStartups & Venture CapitalWhat is MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue)?
Finance & Economics·2 min·Updated Mar 11, 2026

What is MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue)?

Monthly Recurring Revenue

Quick Answer

Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) is the predictable income a business expects to receive every month from its customers. It is commonly used by subscription-based companies to measure their financial health and growth potential.

Overview

Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) refers to the total amount of revenue a company can expect to receive on a monthly basis from its subscriptions. This metric is essential for businesses that operate on a subscription model, such as software as a service (SaaS) companies, because it helps them forecast future revenue and plan accordingly. For example, if a software company has 100 customers paying $50 each month, its MRR would be $5,000, providing a clear picture of its monthly income. MRR works by calculating the total recurring revenue from all active subscriptions. It can include different types of revenue, such as new subscriptions, upgrades, and expansions, while also accounting for downgrades and cancellations. This calculation allows businesses to see how their revenue changes over time, helping them make informed decisions about marketing, product development, and customer retention strategies. Understanding MRR is crucial for startups and investors in the venture capital space. Investors often look at MRR to assess a startup's growth potential and stability. A steady increase in MRR can indicate that a company is successfully acquiring and retaining customers, which is a positive sign for potential investment.


Frequently Asked Questions

MRR is calculated by multiplying the number of active subscriptions by the average revenue per subscription. For example, if a company has 200 customers paying $30 each month, the MRR would be 200 times 30, equaling $6,000.
MRR is important for startups because it provides a reliable way to predict future revenue. This predictability helps startups manage cash flow, plan for growth, and attract investors who want to see consistent revenue streams.
Several factors can affect MRR, including customer acquisition rates, churn rates, and pricing changes. A high churn rate, for instance, can lead to a decrease in MRR, while successful marketing campaigns can increase the number of new subscriptions.