Four Software QA Metrics You Should Track
You don’t need to be a software testing expert to benefit from tracking QA metrics. A few simple numbers can give you a clear picture of whether your software is reliable, your team is improving, and your customers are being protected from costly bugs.
4 QA Metrics Every Business Should Track
- Defect Leakage
- What it means: Bugs that slip past testing and are found by customers.
- Why it matters: High leakage = unhappy customers and higher costs.
- Quick Tip: Track how many bugs are reported after release vs. during testing.
- Time to Resolve Defects
- What it means: How long it takes your team to fix an issue once it’s found.
- Why it matters: Faster fixes = less downtime and happier customers.
- Quick Tip: Aim to shorten this cycle with clear ownership and prioritisation.
- Test Coverage of Critical Features
- What it means: Whether your most important workflows (login, checkout, invoicing) are tested before release.
- Why it matters: These are the features that directly impact revenue.
- Quick Tip: Even a simple checklist can ensure critical paths are always tested.
- Recurring Defects
- What it means: Bugs that keep coming back after being “fixed.”
- Why it matters: Indicates poor root‑cause analysis or rushed fixes.
- Quick Tip: Track repeat issues and dig deeper into why they reappear.
Supporting Insight
According to industry studies, companies that track even 3–4 basic QA metrics reduce post‑release defects by up to 40%. For businesses, that can mean fewer customer complaints, less downtime, and more predictable growth.
Takeaway
You don’t need dozens of dashboards to measure quality. By tracking just a handful of simple QA metrics — defect leakage, time to resolve, test coverage, and recurring defects — you’ll gain powerful insights into your software’s health and protect your bottom line.
👉 Next Step
Create a QA Metrics Tracking Template (simple spreadsheet) and distribute to your delivery teams. Need any help? Email us at [email protected] and we are more than happy to assist you.
