Glossary
What is directory DR?
Directory DR is the Domain Rating of a directory site: Ahrefs' 0 to 100 score of how strong its backlink profile is. Founders use it to judge how much a directory link might be worth. The median directory in our catalog has a DR of 49; 69 have 70 or more.
The spread
Across 352 directories: median DR 49, 69 at 70 or more, 171 at 50 or more, and 59 below 30. Software review sites have the highest (median 73); AI tool directories sit lower (median 42).
Why numbers disagree
DR is Ahrefs' metric. Other tools publish their own scores, and directories often quote a number in their marketing. When we compared sources for 165 directories, the median difference was 5 points, 59 differed by 10 or more and 30 by 20 or more. Some directories advertise a DR far above what Ahrefs shows. Check it yourself.
Why DR alone misleads
- A nofollow link from a DR 90 site passes little link equity.
- High DR doesn't mean visitors: 15 of 71 DR 70+ directories had under 10,000 monthly visits.
- Your own DR moves slowly and depends on many links, not one listing; see DR vs DA.
Use DR with traffic and link type.
Example
A directory advertises "DR 75" on its submit page. Ahrefs shows 41, and the site gets 3,000 visits a month. A competitor shows DR 58 and 90,000 visits with a dofollow link. The second is the better listing despite the lower number.
FAQ
What is a good DR for a directory?
Above 50 is solid, above 70 is strong, but only with real traffic and a followed link.
Why does a directory claim a higher DR than Ahrefs shows?
Old screenshots, a different tool's score, or marketing. Check the current number in Ahrefs' free checker.
Will a high-DR directory raise my DR?
One link rarely moves DR much. Many relevant links over time do.