Keywords · Retention · Ops · Updated 2026-07-21

What is Cohort Analysis?

Short answer: Grouping users by a shared starting point, like signup month, and tracking how their behavior evolves over time relative to that starting point.

Definition

Grouping users by a shared starting point, like signup month, and tracking how their behavior evolves over time relative to that starting point.

Why it matters for growth

Cohort analysis reveals whether retention is actually improving over time, which a single blended retention number can hide entirely.

Example

A founder finds that the March signup cohort retains far better than January's, correlating the improvement with a new onboarding flow shipped in February.

FAQ

What is Cohort Analysis?
Grouping users by a shared starting point, like signup month, and tracking how their behavior evolves over time relative to that starting point.
Why does Cohort Analysis matter for growth?
Cohort analysis reveals whether retention is actually improving over time, which a single blended retention number can hide entirely.
What is an example of Cohort Analysis?
A founder finds that the March signup cohort retains far better than January's, correlating the improvement with a new onboarding flow shipped in February.
What is Cohort Analysis? Definition and growth use · Cofounderbase