Quick answer: Domain Rating is Ahrefs’ backlink-strength metric, while Domain Authority is Moz’s machine-learning prediction of a domain’s ranking ability. Both use 0–100 scales and third-party indexes, but their formulas and data differ. Neither score is created or used directly by Google, so compare like with like inside one tool.
DR and DA often move in the same broad direction because both reflect link-related signals. They should not be treated as interchangeable numbers.
DR vs DA comparison
| Dimension | Domain Rating (DR) | Domain Authority (DA) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Ahrefs | Moz |
| Scale | 0–100, logarithmic | 1–100, logarithmic |
| Main focus | Relative backlink-profile strength | Predicted ability to rank in Google |
| Data source | Ahrefs web index | Moz Link Explorer index and model |
| Calculation style | Link graph and referring domains | Machine-learning model using link data |
| Scope | Domain-level | Domain-level |
| Google metric? | No | No |
| Best use | Compare backlink profiles | Compare search competitiveness |
The formulas can change as the providers improve their indexes and models.
What is Domain Rating?
Ahrefs DR estimates the strength of a website’s backlink profile. It considers the quality and quantity of referring domains and how widely those source domains link out.
The score is relative and logarithmic. A one-point change at the top of the scale represents more effort than a one-point change near the bottom.
Read what is Domain Rating for the full definition.
What is Domain Authority?
Moz Domain Authority is a search-engine ranking score intended to predict how likely a domain is to rank in search results compared with other domains. Moz calculates it with a machine-learning model using data from its Link Explorer index.
DA is also comparative and logarithmic. Moz recommends using it for comparison rather than treating any number as an absolute pass/fail grade.
Because DA predicts relative performance, recalculations or changes elsewhere in the index can affect a site’s score.
Why do DR and DA disagree?
The scores can differ because Ahrefs and Moz have different:
- web crawlers;
- link indexes;
- refresh timing;
- spam handling;
- canonicalization;
- treatment of redirects and subdomains;
- formulas and training data;
- definitions of qualifying links.
A site can be DR 40 and DA 28 without either tool being “wrong.” Each score answers a question inside its own model.
Does Google use DR or DA?
No evidence shows that Google imports either score. Ahrefs explicitly says search engines do not use DR or similar third-party authority metrics as ranking factors.
Google uses its own crawling, indexing and ranking systems. Links can contribute to those systems, but a vendor score is an external estimate—not a Google instruction.
Read does Domain Rating affect rankings.
Which metric should you use?
Use the metric from the tool supporting your workflow:
- Use DR when analyzing sites primarily in Ahrefs.
- Use DA when working in Moz and comparing Moz-tracked competitors.
- Use Semrush Authority Score when your reporting and backlink research are in Semrush.
- Use Google Search Console for actual Google impressions, clicks and queries.
Do not combine DR, DA and Authority Score into one trend line. The numbers have different meanings.
DR, DA, and Authority Score
Semrush Authority Score is another 0–100 compound metric. Semrush says it combines link power, estimated organic traffic and natural-profile or spam indicators.
| Metric | Primary emphasis |
|---|---|
| Ahrefs DR | Link profile strength |
| Moz DA | Predicted ranking ability |
| Semrush Authority Score | Links, estimated traffic and profile naturalness |
This is why scores from the same domain can differ substantially.
What is a good DR or DA?
There is no universal good score. Compare a site with direct competitors at a similar stage and in the same market.
A DR 25 specialist SaaS may perform well if competitors sit between DR 15 and 35. A DR 60 may be modest in a market dominated by major publishers.
See what is a good Domain Rating.
How to compare authority metrics correctly
- Choose one provider.
- Use the same date and scope.
- Compare direct competitors.
- Review the actual referring domains.
- Separate domain-level and page-level metrics.
- Add organic traffic and query data.
- Investigate major changes rather than small fluctuations.
- Record business outcomes separately.
The headline score should lead to analysis, not replace it.
Common reporting mistakes
Reporting DR as Google authority
Say “Ahrefs DR increased from 20 to 27,” not “Google authority increased.”
Comparing different providers directly
DR 40 is not equivalent to DA 40. The shared 100-point scale does not create equivalence.
Chasing score-only links
A link can increase a third-party score without sending relevant visitors or improving meaningful search performance.
Ignoring page relevance
Domain-level strength does not guarantee that every page is relevant or well linked.
Treating a drop as a penalty
The provider may have updated its index or relative model. Investigate before concluding that Google penalized the site.
Authority metric decision table
| Goal | Best starting data |
|---|---|
| Compare backlink profiles | DR plus referring domains |
| Work in Moz campaigns | DA plus Link Explorer details |
| Monitor Google performance | Search Console |
| Evaluate one page | URL-level link metrics |
| Find outreach targets | Relevance, audience and link data |
| Assess business value | Traffic, conversion and retention |
For link acquisition, use the SaaS backlink guide and avoid buying links merely to move a metric.
Frequently asked questions
Is DR more accurate than DA?
They measure different proprietary models. Accuracy depends on the question, index coverage and comparison set.
Can DR be higher than DA?
Yes. Different indexes and calculations can produce very different scores for the same domain.
Should I include both in an SEO report?
You can, but label the provider and purpose. Do not average the scores or present them as Google data.
Which score affects rankings?
Neither score is a direct Google ranking factor. The underlying qualities they approximate, such as relevant links, may overlap with real search signals.
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