Metric mapping basics

A metric map answers one question: what actually moves the number I care about? This lesson shows you how to build one from a goal, top-down.

1. Name the outcome

Start with a single outcome — the number the business is really about. For our subscription company that's MRR (monthly recurring revenue). On the canvas this is a Core/Value card.

Pick one outcome to start

Resist mapping everything at once. One clear outcome gives the map a spine; you can branch out later.

2. Break it into its parts

Ask: what does this number add up from? MRR is:

MRR = New MRR + Expansion MRR − Churned MRR

Add a Data/Metric card for each part and connect them to MRR. Because they add up to the whole, these are compositional relationships.

3. Find the drivers underneath

For each part, ask what moves this? — and stop when you reach something you can act on or measure.

New MRR  ← Signups × Trial-to-paid rate × Average price
Churned MRR  ← Customers × Churn rate

These are usually causal relationships. You've now gone from one outcome to the handful of levers that actually move it.

4. Keep it honest

Map what's true, not what's tidy. If you're unsure a link exists, mark low confidence and attach evidence later.
Stop at levers you can influence or measure — a map you can't act on is a diagram.

What you've learned

A metric map is an outcome, its parts, and the drivers beneath them — connected with typed relationships so the logic is explicit.

Next step

Your map shows what moves the number. Next, decide what you'll do about it: Strategy breakdown.