Domain Rating vs Domain Authority: What Actually Matters in 2026

If you are comparing domains or evaluating link opportunities, you will see two scores everywhere: Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR). They sound similar, but they are not the same and Google does not use either score directly.

If you want the bigger picture, start with our website rank guide or the SEO website optimization guide. To check your scores right now, see how to check domain authority.

Sources:

• Search Engine Land: Moz definition of Domain Authority and why it is not a Google score
• Ahrefs: Domain Rating definition and scale
• Search Engine Land: Google does not use SEO tool scores for rankings

What DA and DR measure#

Here is the plain-English difference:

• Domain Authority (DA): A Moz score that predicts how well a website might rank in search results, based on link data and other signals. The score runs from 1 to 100, with higher meaning a stronger ability to rank.
• Domain Rating (DR): An Ahrefs score that represents the strength of a website's backlink profile on a logarithmic 0-100 scale. It focuses on the number and quality of referring domains and the link graph behind them. For a deeper dive into this metric, read our complete guide to Domain Rating.

Sources:

• Search Engine Land: Moz definition of Domain Authority and scale
• Ahrefs: Domain Rating definition, logarithmic scale, and key inputs

Does Google use DA or DR?#

No. Google has been explicit that it does not use third-party SEO tool scores (like DA, DR, or Authority Score) in its ranking systems. These scores can be useful diagnostics, but they are not part of Google's ranking calculations.

Sources:

• Search Engine Land: Google does not use SEO tool scores for rankings
• Google Search Central: ranking systems and link analysis (PageRank)

DA vs DR vs Authority Score (quick comparison)#

Use this table when you want apples-to-apples comparisons:

Sources:

• Search Engine Land: Domain Authority definition and scale
• Ahrefs: Domain Rating inputs and logarithmic scale
• Semrush: Authority Score components

What actually matters (and why scores correlate)#

Scores correlate with rankings because they summarize real signals that Google does care about:

• Backlink quality and relevance: Google uses link analysis systems (including PageRank) to understand pages and evaluate which results may be most helpful.
• Helpful, intent-matching content: Pages that answer the query best win.
• Technical health: Crawlable, fast, and stable pages are easier to index and rank.
• Internal linking: Good internal structure helps Google understand priority pages.

If you need the tactical playbook, use the backlink website guide and the SEO testing checklist.

Sources:

• Google Search Central: link analysis systems and PageRank

How to use these scores correctly#

Avoid bad decisions with these simple rules:

1. Compare within the same tool. A DR 50 and DA 50 are not equivalent.
2. Track trends, not vanity numbers. A steady climb usually signals healthier link growth.
3. Check the link profile behind the score. One relevant editorial link can beat 50 low-quality links.
4. Segment by topic. A site might be strong overall but weak in your niche.
5. Use scores to prioritize, not to decide. Always sanity-check with content relevance and topical fit.

How to improve the right way (without chasing a score)#

If you improve the fundamentals, the scores go up naturally:

• Earn editorial links by publishing data, research, or original tools.
• Submit to quality directories as a fast-track method to build referring domains. Directory submissions create legitimate backlinks from established sites, and the impact on DR is often visible within days. Our directory submission service handles this at scale.
• Build topical clusters so your site is the obvious choice for a niche.
• Fix thin pages and consolidate overlapping content.
• Strengthen internal links so your best pages receive internal authority.
• Remove or avoid spammy links and focus on long-term credibility.

Want a structured plan? Start with our guide to increasing Domain Rating, the guide to increasing domain authority, or the SEO website optimization guide.

Real-world DR improvement results#

To illustrate how quickly DR can move for startups, here are actual results from products that used RankInPublic's directory submission service:

FAQs#

Is Domain Authority the same as Domain Rating?#

No. Domain Authority is Moz's model, while Domain Rating is Ahrefs' model. They use different data and calculations, so the scores are not interchangeable.

What is a good DA or DR?#

There is no universal "good" score. Compare your score to direct competitors in your niche, in the same tool.

Why did my DA or DR drop even though I did nothing?#

Both scores are relative to the rest of the web. If competitors gain stronger links, your relative position can fall.

Should I pick one tool and ignore the rest?#

Pick one as your primary benchmark, but sanity-check link quality and relevance directly. The score is a summary, not the full picture.