Lagging vs. leading KPIs in SaaS — and when to use them

Investor

24 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

In SaaS, metrics don’t just measure performance — they shape behavior. One of the most common mistakes teams make is relying too heavily on lagging indicators, while under-investing in the KPIs that actually drive future results.

What Are Lagging Indicators?

Lagging indicators measure outcomes after they’ve already happened. They tell you how you did, not why.

Typical SaaS lagging KPIs include:

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Read more

The network effect is one of the most underrated growth engines in any SaaS company

What a SaaS company must have in place before due diligence

Leading sales is about people — Including when it’s time to let go

Why the best SaaS companies think and act like shareholders