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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryB2B & GrowthViral Coefficient (K-Factor)

B2B & Growth

Viral Coefficient (K-Factor)

The average number of new users each existing user brings in; above 1 means growth compounds on its own.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

The viral coefficient, or K-factor, is the average number of new users each existing user brings in. It is calculated by multiplying invites sent per user by the conversion rate of those invites. A value above 1 means growth compounds on its own, while values below 1 still amplify other acquisition channels.