What is KPI?

A key performance indicator (KPI) is any metric that helps you understand whether you’re moving toward your goals. In other words, it’s a specific number that indicates how effective your efforts are.

KPI vs. Goal

People often use the word KPI interchangeably with “goal.” But they aren’t the same. A goal is what you want to achieve, and KPI is a metric that helps you see whether you have achieved this goal.

For example, your goal is to get 100K followers on TikTok by the end of the year. 100K is your goal, not your KPI.

KPI is the number of followers. A change in followers lets you see whether you’re doing things right and moving towards your goal.

You can use KPIs anywhere you set goals, from project management through marketing to HR. Choosing the right metrics as KPIs can help you better track your progress and focus on what works.