GDR (Gross Dollar Retention)

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Insights, guides, and tools where GDR (Gross Dollar Retention) shows up.

• Guide

  NDR and GDR: The Two Retention Metrics Every SaaS Investor Watches

Frequently asked questions

What is GDR (Gross Dollar Retention)?

GDR = (Starting MRR - Contraction - Churn) / Starting MRR. Unlike NDR, GDR can never exceed 100% (no expansion credit). Reveals true customer-base stickiness. Healthy SaaS targets 90%+ GDR. The gap between GDR and NDR reveals the company's expansion engine. A healthy SaaS with 92% GDR and 125% NDR has 33 points of expansion offsetting 8 points of churn.

Why is GDR (Gross Dollar Retention) important for startups?

GDR (Gross Dollar Retention) is a metrics concept that matters for startup founders because it shows up in fundraising readiness, financial decision-making, and operational discipline at the stage where mistakes are expensive to undo. Founders who understand it are better prepared for diligence, board meetings, and investor conversations.

What category does GDR (Gross Dollar Retention) belong to?

GDR (Gross Dollar Retention) is a Metrics term in the StartupCFO finance glossary, alongside other metrics concepts that founders, CFOs, and accountants use in startup operations and reporting.

Where can I learn more about GDR (Gross Dollar Retention)?

Beyond this definition, see the related metrics terms below, or explore StartupCFO's insights and tools that put GDR (Gross Dollar Retention) in context. For specific situations, talk to a fractional CFO who can walk through your numbers.