---
title: "SMART Goals"
description: "SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. See the format, a fill-in template, and before-and-after examples."
url: "https://sageo.ai/glossary/smart-goals"
source: "Sageo (sageo.ai)"
---


# SMART Goals

SMART goals are goals written to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The acronym is a checklist that turns a vague intention like "get better at sales" into a goal anyone can verify, such as "close 12 new mid-market deals by 31 March". It was first described by George T. Doran in 1981.

**Also known as:** how to write smart goals, example of a smart goal, smart objectives, smart goals format

## Key takeaways

- A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- The test: could someone else tell, without debate, whether you hit it?
- Keep three to five per cycle, and pair every volume goal with a quality goal.
- SMART makes a goal assessable, not ambitious, so set the bar separately.

## At a glance

- **Framework:** Specific · Measurable · Achievable · Relevant · Time-bound
- **Best for:** Turning vague intentions into assessable targets
- **How many:** 3 to 5 per review cycle
- **Related:** Performance goals, OKRs, professional goals

## Why do SMART goals matter?

Vague goals are impossible to review fairly. When a goal is SMART, the manager and the employee agree in advance on what "done" looks like. That makes check-ins faster and performance reviews far less subjective.

## The format

- **Specific:** what exactly, and who owns it
- **Measurable:** the number or evidence that proves it
- **Achievable:** a stretch, but realistic with the resources available
- **Relevant:** connected to a team or company priority
- **Time-bound:** a clear deadline

**Fill-in template:** "I will [specific action] to reach [measurable target] by [date], which supports [team or company priority]."

## Worked example

*Before:* "Improve customer support."

*After:* "Reduce average first response time on support tickets from 9 hours to 4 hours by 30 June, to support our Q2 retention goal."

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between SMART goals and OKRs?

SMART is a way to write a single goal well. OKRs are a full system for setting and tracking goals across a company. A good key result is usually SMART.

### Are SMART goals still useful?

Yes, for clarity. The common criticism is that "achievable" can push people toward safe goals, so pair them with a few stretch goals.

### What is an example of a SMART goal?

“Raise the onboarding survey score from 6.8 to 8.5 by the end of Q3 with a revamped first-week plan.” It names the metric, the target, the deadline, and the how.

### What does the A in SMART stand for?

Most commonly Achievable (realistic given resources and constraints). Some versions use Attainable or Assignable, but the intent is the same: the goal should be within reach.

### Who created the SMART framework?

The acronym was popularised by George T. Doran in a 1981 Management Review article. Variations have appeared since, but the five-part check has stayed broadly the same.

### How many SMART goals should you set?

Three to five per review cycle is a good rule. Fewer than three can miss important work; more than five usually means none of them get real focus.