Menu

Strategy

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

Also known as: Key Performance Indicator & KPIs

Plain English

A metric that shows how well you’re doing.

Definition

A KPI is a measurable value used to track progress towards a specific business objective.

In practice

Used to monitor and inform decision-making across teams and products.

In context

Every one creates . Choosing average handling time as a support KPI produces shorter calls, and the effect on resolution is the thing nobody measured.

The reality

Too many KPIs dilute focus - only a few truly matter.

Compared with

KPI vs Metric

A metric is anything you can measure. A KPI is a metric elevated to indicate progress against an objective. Most dashboards report dozens of metrics and rather few genuine KPIs.

FAQ

Common questions

A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.

What is a KPI?

A KPI is a metric used to measure progress towards a goal.

Why are KPIs important?

They help track and guide decisions.

What makes a good KPI?

It is measurable, relevant, and aligned with objectives.

What is the difference between a KPI and a metric?

A KPI is tied to a goal, while a metric is any measurement.

Related Services

Related Guides

Related Terms

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

Ready to improve your product?

UX, research and product leadership for teams tackling complex digital services.

Previous feedback

I had a fantastic experience working with Andy. One of his most impressive achievements during our time at NHS HEE was masterminding a deeply complex information architecture for a new platform that brought together a large number of legacy websites.

Will Parkhouse

Senior Content Designer