Search engine optimization (SEO) relies on various metrics to measure a website’s authority and ranking potential.
One of the most significant metrics used by SEO professionals is Domain Rating (DR), and if you’ve ever wondered what is domain rating in SEO, it’s a key metric that can help you understand your site’s backlink strength and ranking potential.
In this article, GetFound unpacks what is domain rating in SEO, how it’s calculated, and why it plays a crucial role in boosting search visibility.
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What is Domain Rating in SEO: Getting to Know It
To fully grasp what is domain rating in SEO, it is essential to define Domain Rating (DR) and how it differs from other authority metrics.
Domain Rating (DR) is a metric created by Ahrefs that measures the strength of a website’s backlink profile on a scale from 0 to 100.
A higher DR score indicates that a website has a stronger and more authoritative backlink profile, which can help improve search rankings and credibility.
Although Domain Rating is not a direct Google ranking factor, it strongly correlates with SEO performance because high-quality backlinks signal trustworthiness and relevance to search engines.
While DR is specific to Ahrefs, other SEO tools have similar metrics:
- Domain Authority (DA) by Moz
- Authority Score by Semrush
- PageRank (internal Google metric, no longer publicly available)
Despite these differences, all these metrics aim to evaluate a website’s backlink strength and influence on search rankings.
How is Domain Rating Calculated?
Now that we understand what is domain rating in SEO, let’s explore how Ahrefs calculates DR.
The Domain Rating score (0-100) is determined based on three key factors:
1. Quantity of Backlinks
The total number of unique referring domains linking to a website. More high-quality backlinks generally lead to a higher DR score.
2. Quality and Authority of Referring Domains
Backlinks from authoritative, high-DR websites pass more value than links from low-quality, spammy sites.
3. Dofollow vs. Nofollow Links
Dofollow links contribute to DR because they pass link equity. Nofollow links do not directly impact DR but can still drive traffic and brand visibility.
Ahrefs evaluates these factors and assigns a DR score, which is logarithmic—meaning it’s much harder to increase from DR 70 to DR 80 than from DR 10 to DR 20.
A strong Domain Rating helps improve search engine visibility, as websites with higher DR scores are more likely to rank well in search results.
The Difference Between Domain Rating and Page Rating
A common question when discussing what is domain rating in SEO is how it differs from Page Rating (PR).
- Domain Rating (DR) measures the overall authority of an entire domain based on its backlink profile.
- Page Rating (PR) (also called URL Rating in Ahrefs) evaluates the authority of a single webpage.
For example:
- A website with a DR of 80 may have some pages with a PR of 30 and others with a PR of 70, depending on their backlinks.
- High-PR pages often rank well for specific keywords, even if the overall DR is lower.
While DR evaluates domain-wide authority, PR focuses on the strength of individual pages, both of which influence SEO rankings.
Also Read: Secret Tricks to Implement Taxonomy for Your SEO Game!
Can a High Domain Rating Guarantee SEO Success?
Although a high DR score is beneficial, it does not guarantee top rankings in Google. Other SEO factors, such as:
- Content quality and relevance
- On-page SEO (keyword optimization, meta tags, site speed)
- Technical SEO (crawlability, indexing, mobile-friendliness)
Are just as important as a strong backlink profile.
For example, a DR 60 website with poorly optimized content may rank lower than a DR 40 website with exceptional, keyword-rich content.
Thus, Domain Rating should be part of a broader SEO strategy, rather than the sole focus of optimization efforts.
Crank Up Your Website’s Authority with GetFound!
So, what is domain rating in SEO? Think of it as your website’s reputation in the backlink world. While DR won’t guarantee a top spot on Google, it’s a strong indicator of how solid your site’s backlink profile is—and that influence makes a difference.
Domain Rating (DR) is Ahrefs’ 0-100 score that measures the strength of your site’s backlinks. A high DR signals authority, while a low DR means there’s room to grow.
Quality backlinks from reputable sources can lift your score, while spammy links won’t do you any favors. And remember, DR measures your entire domain’s strength, while Page Rating (PR) focuses on individual pages.
Of course, SEO isn’t just about backlinks. Great content, strategic keyword use, and technical SEO all play a role in boosting your rankings. Want to increase your DR and stand out? GetFound is here to help—let’s make your site an authority in your niche!
