Moz DA vs Ahrefs DR: The Complete 2026 Comparison | CrawlRaven
Moz Domain Authority vs. Ahrefs Domain Rating
TL;DR
Moz Domain Authority (DA) and Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR) are proprietary 0–100 scores, but they measure different metrics. DR assesses the strength of a backlink profile, updating every ~15 minutes to 24 hours, while DA predicts a site’s likelihood of ranking in Google based on a machine-learning model trained on 40+ signals and updates roughly monthly. Both scores are logarithmic, and neither is a direct Google ranking factor.
What is Moz Domain Authority (DA)?
Domain Authority is Moz's proprietary score designed to predict how likely a website is to rank in Google, based on a range of signals including linking root domains, link quality, and a spam score. The score updates on a monthly rhythm.
What is Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR)?
Domain Rating measures the strength of a site's backlink profile on a logarithmic 0–100 scale, focusing solely on the number and quality of dofollow links. DR reacts quickly to changes in the backlink profile, often updating every few minutes to hours.
Moz DA vs. Ahrefs DR: Key Differences
| Feature | Moz DA | Ahrefs DR |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Domain Authority | Domain Rating |
| Maker | Moz | Ahrefs |
| Launched | 2004 | 2016 |
| Scale | 1–100 (logarithmic) | 0–100 (logarithmic) |
| What It Measures | Predicted ability to rank in Google | Strength of the backlink profile |
| Inputs | 40+ signals: linking root domains, link quality, spam patterns | Dofollow referring domains + their DR |
| Update Cadence | ~ Once a month | Every ~15 min to 24 hrs |
| Volatility | Low — stable month to month | High — reacts fast to link changes |
| Best For | Client reporting, competitor benchmarking | Link prospecting, real-time link tracking |
How are DA and DR Calculated?
- Ahrefs DR uses a domain-level, PageRank-style pass over the link graph, calculating based on dofollow links and their respective domains.
- Moz DA is a learned prediction, recalibrated against the SERPs, utilizing its own models trained on link signals and spam indicators.
What is a Good DA or DR Score?
A good score depends largely on competition within your niche:
- 0-20: New/thin websites
- 20-40: Growing blogs and businesses
- 40-60: Established websites
- 60-80: Strong industry players
- 80-100: Elite brands
Do DA and DR Affect Google Rankings?
No, both DA and DR are not recognized as ranking factors by Google. They are proxies related to backlink strength but lack direct correlation with positional rankings.
Why Do DA and DR Disagree?
The scores often diverge due to:
- Different index crawls by Moz and Ahrefs.
- Different measurement definitions (links-only vs. combined with spam signals).
- Update frequencies resulting in timing disparities.
Can You Fake a DA or DR Score?
Both scores are vulnerable to manipulation through manufactured links. High scores without traffic should raise red flags to validate the authenticity of those rankings.
Conclusion
Use these metrics wisely for specific tasks: rely on DR for swift assessments during link building and use DA for stability in client reporting. Both metrics can provide valuable insights into link profiles but remember that the ultimate goal is to enhance the site’s real authority through quality links and strong, relevant content.