> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/en/customdashboard/custom/datasettings/growth_capacity.md).

# Growth capacity analysis

{% hint style="info" %}
This analysis shows **how well you're retaining customers now, and how much more room you have to grow**. You set your own rule for "no purchase for this long means the customer has left", and use it to split customers into active and churned.
{% endhint %}

## Choose the analytics mode <a href="#analysistype" id="analysistype"></a>

In the chart editor, open the **Data** tab in the settings panel on the right, then click the **Growth capacity analysis** icon under **Analytics mode**. Hover over an icon to see its name.

| Item         | Value                               |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------- |
| Data source  | Order data                          |
| Period unit  | Day · Week · Month · Quarter · Year |
| Default unit | Month                               |

{% hint style="warning" %}
Growth capacity analysis uses **order data** only. It isn't available for base product order data. If you were viewing a different source, it switches to order data when you enter this analysis.
{% endhint %}

## Churn cycle <a href="#churncycle" id="churncycle"></a>

This is the key setting for this analysis. **Customers who purchased N periods ago and haven't purchased again are treated as churned.**

1. Choose a data source on the **Data** tab, and **Churn cycle** appears below it.
2. Choose **1 · 3 · 6 · 12**, or enter your own value with **Custom**.
3. The unit follows the period unit you chose above. If you're viewing by month, `3` means 3 months.

When entering a value yourself, you can only enter a number **from 1 to 60**.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Set it to match your products' purchase cycle.**\
For consumables bought once a month, 3 months is reasonable, but using 3 months for seasonal products would flag all your normal customers as churned. It's a good idea to check the actual purchase cycle in [repurchase cycle analysis](/guide/en/dashboard/dashboard/user/order_cycle.md) first.
{% endhint %}

## Measures <a href="#measures" id="measures"></a>

In growth capacity analysis you can choose **only growth-capacity measures**, so it's normal for the measure list to be shorter than usual. Custom formulas are also not available in this analysis.

| Measure                                   | Meaning                                                                                                 |
| ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Users who purchased in the last N periods | The number of customers with a purchase within the churn cycle, i.e. **customers who are still active** |
| Paying users N periods ago                | The number of users who paid N periods before that point                                                |
| ARPPU N periods ago                       | Average payment amount per paying user among those users                                                |

The **N** in each measure name follows the churn cycle set above. If you change the cycle, the measure names change too.

## View as a chart <a href="#chart" id="chart"></a>

Growth capacity analysis is drawn as a time-series chart. The default is a **line chart**, and you can switch to **Column** or **Table** on the **Chart** tab. If you had a non-time-series chart such as a quadrant or Pareto chart when you entered this analysis, it switches to a line chart.

## Ask your dedicated manager <a href="#contact" id="contact"></a>

Having trouble using growth capacity analysis?

Contact us through the inquiry page or by email below. Your manager will be happy to help.

> 💬 [Contact us on our website](https://www.analytics.laplacetec.com/contact)

**Email:** [**product@laplacetec.com**](mailto:product@laplacetec.com)