What Is DR (Domain Rating)?
Domain Rating (DR) is a proprietary metric developed by Ahrefs that measures the relative strength of a domain's backlink profile on a logarithmic scale from 0 to 100. Higher DR indicates a stronger, more authoritative backlink profile.
DR considers the quantity and quality of domains linking to a website, as well as the DR of those linking domains. Because it uses a logarithmic scale, moving from DR 30 to 40 requires significantly more effort than moving from 10 to 20.
DR differs from Moz's Domain Authority (DA) in methodology and data sources, though both attempt to measure similar concepts. In the domain investing world, DR is often used alongside DA to evaluate a domain's existing SEO value before purchase.
Why This Matters for Startups
Check a domain's DR before purchasing it on the aftermarket. A domain with DR 40+ has genuinely strong backlinks that transfer real SEO value to your new website. DR below 10 usually means no meaningful backlink profile. If you're paying a premium for an 'aged domain with SEO value,' verify the DR claim with a free Ahrefs check. Also use DR to track your own domain's growth after launch — it's a useful barometer of your SEO progress.
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