Metrics · Finance · Ops · Quarterly · % · Updated 2026-07-21

What is Rule of 40 Score?

Short answer: A combined efficiency benchmark summing a SaaS company's growth rate and profit margin.

Definition

A combined efficiency benchmark summing a SaaS company's growth rate and profit margin.

Formula

YoY Revenue Growth % + Profit Margin %

How to measure

Add the year-over-year revenue growth rate to the current profit margin (which may be negative), expressed as a single percentage.

Why track it

A score above roughly 40% is a widely used signal that a company is balancing growth and efficiency in a healthy way.

Example

A company growing 55% a year with a -10% margin scores 45 on the rule of 40.

FAQ

What is Rule of 40 Score?
A combined efficiency benchmark summing a SaaS company's growth rate and profit margin.
How do you calculate Rule of 40 Score?
YoY Revenue Growth % + Profit Margin %
Why track Rule of 40 Score?
A score above roughly 40% is a widely used signal that a company is balancing growth and efficiency in a healthy way.
What is Rule of 40 Score? Definition, formula, and growth use · Cofounderbase