Short answer: In the DA vs DR vs PA comparison, DA (Domain Authority) is a Moz score, DR (Domain Rating) is an Ahrefs score, and PA (Page Authority) is a Moz score for a single page. All three estimate link strength on a scale of 0 to 100 using each tool’s own data. Google does not use any of them. They are useful for quick comparisons, but relevance, real traffic and editorial quality matter more when judging a link.
Link sellers often promise “DA 50+ backlinks”. Understanding what these numbers mean protects you from paying for metrics instead of value.
The Three Metrics Compared
| Metric | Made by | Measures |
|---|---|---|
| DA, Domain Authority | Moz | Predicted ranking strength of a whole domain |
| DR, Domain Rating | Ahrefs | Strength of a domain’s backlink profile |
| PA, Page Authority | Moz | Predicted ranking strength of a single page |
Semrush has its own Authority Score that works in a similar way.
Limits of These Scores
- They are third-party estimates, not Google data.
- Scores can be inflated with spammy links.
- A high score does not mean the site is relevant to you.
- Different tools give different numbers for the same site.
How to Judge a Link Properly
- Relevance: is the site about your topic or location?
- Real traffic: does the site get visitors from search?
- Editorial standards: does it publish quality content, or anything for money?
- Placement: is your link inside useful content?
- Metrics: use DA or DR as a final check, not the first one.
Be careful with offers based only on scores; see buying backlinks risks.
Checking These Metrics for Free
Moz and Ahrefs both offer limited free checks. Read how to check backlinks free for tools and steps.
More Off-Page SEO Guides
- 30 Off-Page SEO Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers
- Article Submission Sites List: What Still Works in 2026
- Backlink Tracking Sheet: How to Track Off-Page SEO Work
- Backlinks for a New Website: Your First 30 Days Plan
- Blog Submission Sites List: Get Your Blog Discovered
- Brand Mentions vs Backlinks: What Matters More in 2026?
- Business Networking Sites List for B2B Visibility in India
- Buying Backlinks: Risks, Red Flags and Safer Options
- Classified Submission Sites List for India: Leads, Not Rankings
- Digital PR for Small Business: Earn Links and Local Coverage
- Directory Submission Sites List for Indian Businesses (2026)
- Do Backlinks Matter for AI Search, ChatGPT and AI Overviews?
- Edu Backlinks: How to Earn .edu Links the Right Way
- Forum Posting Sites List: How to Use Forums for SEO Safely
- Free SEO Audit Tools List for Beginners (2026)
- Google Link Spam Policy Explained for Beginners
- Gov Backlinks: Can You Really Get .gov Links?
- How Long Do Backlinks Take to Work? A Realistic Timeline
- Image Submission Sites List: Get Visibility From Your Images
- Infographic Submission Sites List and How to Earn Links
- Journalist Request Platforms for Backlinks: HARO Alternatives
- Link Exchange and Reciprocal Links: Safe or Risky?
- Off-Page SEO Checklist for Local Business (Printable Steps)
- Off-Page SEO Portfolio Project for Students: Step by Step
- Off-Page SEO Submission Sites: The Complete 2026 Guide
- PDF Submission Sites List: Turn Guides Into Visibility
- Ping and RSS Submission Sites: Do They Still Matter?
- Portfolio Sites List: Best Platforms to Show Your Work
- Press Release Sites List for India: When PR Is Worth It
- Profile Creation Sites List for SEO: What Works in 2026
- Search Engine Submission Sites List: The Right Way in 2026
- SEO Executive Daily Off-Page Tasks: A Realistic Routine
- Social Bookmarking Sites List: Does It Still Work in 2026?
- Social Networking Sites List for SEO and Brand Building
- Top Showcase Sites List for Websites, Designs and Startups
- Video Submission Sites List: Platforms That Build Visibility
- Web 2.0 Sites List: Honest Guide to Web 2.0 Backlinks
- What Is a PBN in SEO and Why Is It Risky?
- What Is Off-Page SEO? A Beginner’s Guide With Examples
- Wiki Submission Sites: Why Wiki Backlinks Rarely Work
Learn to Evaluate Links
The SEO course in Faridabad at AdifySkills teaches link evaluation on real backlink profiles.
Key takeaways on DA vs DR vs PA
- MetricMade byMeasures
DA, Domain AuthorityMozPredicted ranking strength of a whole domain
DR, Domain RatingAhrefsStrength of a domain's backlink profile
PA, Pa - They are third-party estimates, not Google data.
- Relevance: is the site about your topic or location?
- Moz and Ahrefs both offer limited free checks.
- The SEO course in Faridabad at AdifySkills teaches link evaluation on real backlink profiles.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google use Domain Authority?
No. DA is a Moz metric, not a Google ranking factor.
Which is better, DA or DR?
Neither is better; they use different data. Use one consistently.
What is a good DA score?
It depends on your niche and competitors. Compare against sites you compete with.
Can I increase my DA quickly?
Earning relevant, quality links over time raises it naturally.
Related Reading
- How Many Backlinks Do You Need to Rank on Google?
- Types of Backlinks in SEO: The Complete Guide for 2026
Want to learn this with live campaigns and a trainer beside you? See the full digital marketing course in Faridabad, or check admission and batch dates.