How Domain Rating Calculation Works
Domain Rating is calculated using a sophisticated algorithm that evaluates your backlink profile based on multiple factors. Unlike simple link counting, DR uses a logarithmic scale that weights each referring domain by its own authority score, creating a compounding effect where high-authority links provide exponentially more value.
The algorithm considers the number of unique referring domains, the DR of those linking domains, link quality signals (dofollow vs. nofollow, editorial context, anchor text), and link velocity. Ahrefs recalculates DR approximately every 3-4 weeks as they re-crawl the web and update their backlink index.
Key takeaway: DR isn't just about quantity—quality matters exponentially more. One link from a DR 90 domain can boost your score more than 1,000 links from DR 5 domains.
The Domain Rating Algorithm Explained
Ahrefs uses a proprietary algorithm based on the PageRank algorithm, which measures link authority through a logarithmic scale. The calculation follows these core principles:
Core Algorithm Principles
- Logarithmic scale: Moving from DR 20 to DR 30 is easier than moving from DR 70 to DR 80. Each point requires exponentially more authority.
- Weighted by source DR: Each referring domain is weighted by its own DR score. A link from a DR 80 domain carries significantly more weight than a link from a DR 20 domain.
- Unique domains only: Multiple links from the same domain count as one referring domain. Quality and diversity matter more than total link count.
- Relative comparison: DR is calculated relative to all other domains in Ahrefs' index. Your score can decrease if competitors gain more authority.
The algorithm uses a logarithmic function, meaning the difference between DR 0-20 represents a smaller gap in actual authority than the difference between DR 80-100. This design reflects real-world link building: earning your first quality backlinks is easier than competing with established brands for the highest authority placements.
Ahrefs Site Explorer displays Domain Rating along with key metrics that influence the calculation.
Key Factors in Domain Rating Calculation
Ahrefs evaluates multiple factors when calculating your Domain Rating. Understanding these components helps you prioritize your link building efforts:
1. Number of Unique Referring Domains
The foundation of DR is the number of unique domains linking to your site. Each unique domain counts once, regardless of how many pages from that domain link to you. For example, if example.com links to 10 different pages on your site, it still counts as one referring domain.
Important: Quantity alone isn't enough. The algorithm weights referring domains by their own DR scores, so 10 links from DR 80 domains can boost your DR more than 100 links from DR 10 domains.
2. DR of Linking Domains (Quality Weighting)
The DR of domains linking to you directly impacts your score through a multiplier effect. Links from high-DR domains pass exponentially more authority. A single backlink from a DR 80 site can contribute more to your DR than dozens of links from DR 20 sites.
This is why IncreaseDomainRating.com focuses exclusively on securing backlinks from DR 60–90 domains. These high-authority placements provide maximum impact for your domain rating improvement efforts.
Example: Earning 5 backlinks from DR 70 domains can increase your DR more than 50 backlinks from DR 30 domains. Quality compounds exponentially in the DR algorithm.
3. Link Quality Signals
Not all links are created equal. Ahrefs evaluates several quality signals that influence how much authority a link passes:
- Dofollow vs. nofollow: Only dofollow links pass authority and count toward DR. Nofollow links don't contribute to your score.
- Editorial context: Links within article content carry more weight than directory listings, comments, or footer/sidebar links.
- Anchor text: Natural, varied anchor text is preferred over exact-match keyword stuffing, which can trigger penalties.
- Link placement: Contextual links in body content are more valuable than footer, sidebar, or widget links.
- Toxic patterns: Links from spam sites, PBNs, or link farms can hurt your DR and trigger penalties.
4. Link Velocity
The algorithm considers how quickly you're earning new backlinks. Sudden spikes from manipulative link schemes can trigger penalties and hurt your DR. Gradual, organic growth is rewarded.
Best practice: Aim for consistent link building—5–10 quality links per month is better than 50 links in one week. This signals natural, editorial link acquisition rather than manipulative tactics.
Understanding the key factors that influence Domain Rating helps you build a more effective link building strategy.
How Referring Domains Impact DR Calculation
Referring domains are the foundation of Domain Rating, but the algorithm doesn't treat them equally. Here's how they influence your score:
Quality Over Quantity
Remember: These numbers are estimates. A site with 50 referring domains from DR 80+ sources can have higher DR than a site with 500 referring domains from DR 10 sources. The algorithm weights each referring domain by its own DR, creating a compounding effect where high-authority links provide exponentially more value.
Link Quality Signals in DR Calculation
The algorithm evaluates multiple quality signals to determine how much authority each link passes. Understanding these signals helps you prioritize high-value link opportunities:
Positive Signals
- Dofollow links: Pass full authority to your domain
- Editorial context: Links within article body content
- Natural anchor text: Varied, contextually relevant anchors
- High-DR sources: Links from DR 60+ domains
- Gradual growth: Consistent link velocity over time
Negative Signals
- Nofollow links: Don't count toward DR calculation
- Toxic sources: PBNs, link farms, spam sites
- Over-optimized anchors:Exact-match keyword stuffing
- Footer/sidebar links: Less valuable than editorial links
- Link spikes: Sudden increases from manipulative schemes
Understanding the Domain Rating Formula
While Ahrefs doesn't publicly disclose the exact formula, DR is calculated using a logarithmic function based on the PageRank algorithm. The calculation follows this general structure:
Simplified DR Calculation Concept
DR = log(Σ(Weighted Referring Domains))
Where each referring domain is weighted by its own DR score, creating a compounding effect.
- • Higher-DR domains contribute exponentially more authority
- • The logarithmic scale means each point requires more effort as DR increases
- • Only unique referring domains count (multiple links from same domain = 1)
- • Only dofollow links pass authority
Important: This is a simplified explanation. The actual algorithm considers additional factors like link quality signals, link velocity, and relative comparison to all domains in Ahrefs' index. Your DR can decrease if competitors gain more authority, even if your backlink profile stays the same.
Understanding how Ahrefs calculates Domain Rating helps you interpret these metrics and build better link building strategies.
How to Improve Your Domain Rating Based on Calculation Factors
Understanding how DR is calculated helps you prioritize your link building efforts for maximum impact:
1. Focus on High-DR Referring Domains
Prioritize earning backlinks from DR 60–90 domains. One link from a DR 80 site can boost your score more than 50 links from DR 20 sites. Use Ahrefs Site Explorer to identify high-DR link opportunities in your niche.
2. Earn Editorial Dofollow Links
Focus on earning dofollow links within editorial content. These links pass full authority and carry more weight than directory listings or footer links. Create linkable assets like original research, comprehensive guides, and tools that naturally attract editorial backlinks.
3. Build Links Gradually
Maintain consistent link velocity—aim for 5–10 quality links per month rather than sudden spikes. Gradual, organic growth signals natural link acquisition and is rewarded by the algorithm. Avoid manipulative tactics that create unnatural link patterns.
4. Diversify Your Referring Domains
Focus on earning links from diverse, unique domains rather than multiple links from the same sources. The algorithm counts each unique domain once, so diversity matters more than total link count. Build relationships across your industry to earn natural, varied backlinks.
Understanding how Domain Rating is calculated helps you prioritize high-impact link building strategies.
Need Help Increasing Your Domain Rating?
Our team specializes in securing high-quality backlinks from DR 60–90 domains that deliver fast, sustainable DR improvements. We handle the entire process: research, outreach, content creation, and relationship building. When we confirm your DR boost via Ahrefs, you get a complete backlink report and ongoing monitoring.
How Is Domain Rating Calculated FAQ
What is the exact formula for Domain Rating?
Ahrefs doesn't publicly disclose the exact formula, but DR is calculated using a logarithmic scale based on the number and quality of referring domains. The algorithm weighs each referring domain by its own DR score, creating a compounding effect. Higher-DR domains pass more authority, so one link from a DR 80 site can boost your score more than dozens of links from DR 20 sites.
How many referring domains do I need for a specific DR?
There's no fixed number—DR depends on the quality of referring domains, not just quantity. A site with 50 referring domains from DR 80+ sources can have higher DR than a site with 500 referring domains from DR 10 sources. Generally, DR 20 requires 10-30 quality referring domains, DR 30 needs 30-100, DR 40 needs 100-300, and DR 50+ typically requires 300+ high-quality referring domains.
Do nofollow links count toward Domain Rating?
No, nofollow links do not count toward Domain Rating. Only dofollow links pass authority and contribute to your DR score. However, nofollow links can still provide value through traffic, brand awareness, and potential conversions. A healthy backlink profile typically has 70-80% dofollow links.
How often does Ahrefs recalculate Domain Rating?
Ahrefs recalculates Domain Rating approximately every 3-4 weeks as they re-crawl the web and update their backlink index. This means your DR won't change immediately after earning new links—patience is required. Track referring domains count as a leading indicator since it updates faster than DR.
Can Domain Rating decrease?
Yes, DR can decrease if you lose high-quality backlinks (domains remove links, sites go offline, links become nofollow), if competitors gain more authority (DR is relative), or if Ahrefs detects and devalues toxic links. Regular monitoring helps you catch declines early and take corrective action.
Does internal linking affect Domain Rating?
Internal links don't directly increase Domain Rating since DR measures external backlinks from other domains. However, internal linking helps distribute link equity across your site, improving URL Rating (UR) for individual pages and maximizing the value of your existing backlinks.
How does link velocity affect Domain Rating calculation?
Link velocity (how quickly you earn new backlinks) is considered in the DR algorithm. Sudden spikes from manipulative link schemes can trigger penalties and hurt your DR. Gradual, organic growth is rewarded. Aim for consistent link building—5-10 quality links per month is better than 50 links in one week.