An employee is monitoring network security traffic in the server room to ensure the implementation of Active Directory as the right solution for corporate access control.
Microsoft Active Directory: Key Components and Their Functions for Corporate Networks
March 13, 2026
personal data subject rights in the pdp law
Personal Data Subject Rights in the PDP Law: What Are Companies Obliged to Facilitate?
March 13, 2026

CSAT and NPS: Definition, Differences, and How to Measure Them

March 13, 2026 / Published by: Editorial

In the modern business world, understanding customer satisfaction and loyalty is very important. Companies need to know how customers evaluate the products or services they use. One of the most common ways to measure this is through CSAT and NPS metrics.

CSAT and NPS are two popular methods used to measure customer experience. Both metrics help companies collect data related to customer satisfaction and loyalty. This information can be used to improve service quality.

Although they are often used together, CSAT and NPS have different approaches. CSAT focuses more on the level of customer satisfaction with a specific service. Meanwhile, NPS focuses more on customer loyalty toward a brand.

What Is CSAT (Customer Satisfaction Score)

CSAT is a metric used to measure the level of customer satisfaction with a product or service. This measurement is usually conducted after customers complete a transaction or use a company’s service. The goal is to determine whether customers are satisfied with the experience they receive.

CSAT surveys usually contain simple questions such as “How satisfied are you with our service?”. Customers then provide ratings using a certain scale, for example from 1 to 5. This scale helps companies quickly understand customer satisfaction levels.

The results of CSAT surveys provide a direct overview of customer experience at a specific moment. The data can be used to evaluate the quality of the service provided. The higher the CSAT score, the better the level of customer satisfaction.

How to Calculate CSAT

CSAT is calculated by counting the number of customers who give high satisfaction scores. High scores usually fall within the range of 4 or 5 in satisfaction surveys. This number is then compared to the total number of respondents.

The calculation results are then converted into a percentage. This percentage shows how many customers are satisfied with the company’s services. This value can serve as an indicator of service performance.

What Is a Good CSAT Score?

A good CSAT score is generally considered to be above 75%. However, this standard may vary depending on the industry and the type of service provided.

In general, the CSAT score can be interpreted as follows:

  • 90% – 100% : Excellent
  • 80% – 89% : Good
  • 70% – 79% : Fair
  • Below 70% : Needs improvement

Companies usually use the CSAT score as an indicator of service quality. If the score is too low, the company needs to evaluate the customer experience they provide.

What Is NPS (Net Promoter Score)

NPS is a metric used to measure customer loyalty toward a brand. This method evaluates the likelihood that customers will recommend a product or service to others. Customer loyalty is considered an important indicator of business growth.

NPS surveys usually ask questions such as “How likely are you to recommend our product to a friend or colleague?”. Customers provide answers using a scale from 0 to 10. These scores are then used to categorize customers.

The results of NPS surveys help companies understand long-term relationships with customers. The data can show whether customers trust the brand. The higher the NPS score, the stronger the customer loyalty.

NPS Rating Categories

To measure the NPS value, there are three categories of customers based on the scores they provide in the survey. Each category reflects the level of customer satisfaction and loyalty toward a brand.

  • Promoters
    Customers who give scores of 9–10 are called Promoters. They are very satisfied customers and are likely to recommend the product to others. This group usually becomes loyal supporters of the brand.
  • Passives
    Customers who give scores of 7–8 are called Passives. They are fairly satisfied but do not have strong loyalty to the brand. This group may still switch to competitors if there are more attractive alternatives.
  • Detractors
    Customers who give scores of 0–6 are called Detractors. They are customers who are dissatisfied with the product or service. This group has the potential to give negative reviews about the company.

Comparison of CSAT and NPS

The following table compares CSAT and NPS and highlights the main differences between the two metrics.

Aspect

CSAT

NPS

Full name

Customer Satisfaction Score

Net Promoter Score

Main purpose

Measure customer satisfaction with a specific service

Measure customer loyalty toward a brand

Question type

How satisfied customers are with a service

Likelihood of recommending

Rating scale

Usually 1–5 or 1–10

Scale 0–10

Measurement focus

Short-term customer experience

Long-term customer loyalty

When used

After transactions or service interactions

General customer experience surveys

Analysis result

Percentage of satisfied customers

NPS score from Promoters and Detractors

When Should You Use CSAT and NPS

CSAT and NPS are two metrics commonly used to measure customer experience. Although both are related to customer satisfaction, each metric has different purposes and timing of use. Therefore, companies need to understand when to use CSAT and when to use NPS.

When to Use CSAT?

CSAT is typically used to measure customer satisfaction with a specific experience or service. This survey is often conducted after customers complete a transaction, use a product, or interact with customer service.

By using CSAT, companies can immediately determine whether customers are satisfied with the service they have just received. The results help businesses evaluate service quality at a particular moment.

When to Use NPS?

NPS is used to measure long-term customer loyalty toward a brand. This survey is usually conducted periodically to determine whether customers are willing to recommend a product or service to others.

By using NPS, companies can better understand long-term relationships with their customers. The data can help evaluate customer trust in the brand and the potential for business growth through customer recommendations.

Conclusion

CSAT and NPS are two important metrics used to measure customer experience. CSAT focuses on customer satisfaction with specific services in the short term. Meanwhile, NPS evaluates customer loyalty toward a brand in the long term.

By using both metrics, companies can gain a more comprehensive understanding of customer experience. The data can be used to improve service quality and business strategies. This helps companies build stronger relationships with their customers.

FAQ

1. What is CSAT?

CSAT, or Customer Satisfaction Score, is a metric used to measure how satisfied customers are with a specific product or service. It is usually collected through surveys after a customer interaction or transaction. The results help companies understand whether customers are satisfied with their experience.

2. What is NPS?

NPS, or Net Promoter Score, is a metric used to measure customer loyalty toward a brand or company. It evaluates how likely customers are to recommend a product or service to others. Customers typically provide their answers on a scale from 0 to 10.

3. What is the main difference between CSAT and NPS?

The main difference between CSAT and NPS lies in their measurement focus. CSAT measures customer satisfaction based on a specific interaction or experience. Meanwhile, NPS measures long-term customer loyalty toward a brand.

4. How do you calculate CSAT?

CSAT is calculated by dividing the number of satisfied customers by the total number of survey respondents. Satisfied customers are usually those who give high ratings, such as 4 or 5 on a satisfaction scale. The result is then converted into a percentage to represent the satisfaction level.

Profil Adaptist Consulting

Adaptist Consulting is a technology and compliance firm dedicated to helping organizations build secure, data-driven, and compliant business ecosystems.

Read Related Post