To reduce email bounce rate, you first need to measure it accurately. This guide walks you through the bounce rate formula, how to apply it in a spreadsheet, and includes a downloadable template.
Email Bounce Rate Formula
The formula is simple:
(Bounced Emails / Sent Emails) x 100
Example: If you send 5,000 emails and 150 bounce:
(150 / 5000) x 100 = 3% bounce rate
What Counts as a Bounce?
- Hard Bounce – Permanent failure (invalid address, domain doesn't exist)
- Soft Bounce – Temporary issue (mailbox full, server down)
Automate with API Integration
Don’t want to track manually? Use an email verification API to:
- Flag bounces in real-time
- Auto-update CRM statuses
- Trigger re-verification workflows
Mini FAQ
Q: Do soft bounces count toward the rate?
A: Yes. Both hard and soft bounces are included in the formula, but hard bounces are more damaging.
Q: What’s a good bounce rate?
A: Under 2% is ideal. Over 5% can hurt your domain reputation.