Metrics · Monetization · Retention · Monthly · $ · Updated 2026-07-21

What is Contraction MRR?

Short answer: Recurring revenue lost from existing customers downgrading their plan or reducing usage without fully cancelling.

Definition

Recurring revenue lost from existing customers downgrading their plan or reducing usage without fully cancelling.

Formula

Sum of MRR decreases from existing customers in a period

How to measure

Compare each existing customer's MRR at the start and end of the period, summing only the negative changes among still-active accounts.

Why track it

Contraction MRR is an early warning sign, since customers who downgrade rather than churn outright often churn fully soon after.

Example

A company reports $3,000 in contraction MRR from five accounts reducing their seat count.

FAQ

What is Contraction MRR?
Recurring revenue lost from existing customers downgrading their plan or reducing usage without fully cancelling.
How do you calculate Contraction MRR?
Sum of MRR decreases from existing customers in a period
Why track Contraction MRR?
Contraction MRR is an early warning sign, since customers who downgrade rather than churn outright often churn fully soon after.
What is Contraction MRR? Definition, formula, and growth use · Cofounderbase