#272 · Finance Tool

Magic Number Calculator

Calculate the SaaS Magic Number to evaluate sales efficiency from ARR growth and sales and marketing spend.

Your numbers

Sales Efficiency
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Magic Number benchmark: >1.0 strong, 0.75–1.0 good, 0.5–0.75 weak, below 0.5 inefficient.

How to use this Magic Number Calculator

Enter your current SaaS metrics, then review the result, secondary metrics, and benchmark interpretation. This calculator is designed for fast planning rather than formal accounting.

Formula

Magic Number = Net New ARR ÷ Sales & Marketing Spend

The important point is consistency. Use the same revenue definition, time period, and customer definition every time so the metric remains comparable month to month.

Benchmark notes are directional. A healthy metric can still hide poor cohort quality, weak cash flow, or low gross margin.

Magic Number benchmark

Above 1.0 is strong, 0.75 to 1.0 is good, 0.5 to 0.75 is weak, and below 0.5 suggests inefficient sales and marketing spend.

FAQ

What does this calculator measure?

Calculate the SaaS Magic Number to evaluate sales efficiency from ARR growth and sales and marketing spend.

What is the formula?

Magic Number = Net New ARR ÷ Sales & Marketing Spend

How should I use this result?

Use it as a quick operating metric, then compare it with cohort trends, pricing changes, cash flow, retention, and acquisition channel quality.

Is this calculator exact accounting?

No. It is a planning calculator. Use consistent definitions from your finance reports when making board, investor, or fundraising decisions.