Summary
The consensus is that you can attempt to retrieve your SenderScore using a reverse DNS lookup. The process involves reversing the octets of your IP address and then querying the DNS record for `<reversed-ip>.score.senderscore.com`. The last octet of the resulting IP address *should* represent your SenderScore. However, this method is not officially documented or guaranteed to be accurate and other systems are more important, so it's advisable to verify it with the official SenderScore website or other reputation services.
Key findings
- Reverse IP DNS Lookup: The primary method for retrieving Senderscore involves a reverse IP DNS lookup.
- Score Location in Response: The SenderScore is expected to be found in the last octet of the IP address returned by the DNS query.
- Unofficial Method Confirmation: Multiple sources confirm that this method is not officially supported by SenderScore.
- Alternate IP Reputation Tools: There are alternative tools like Talos Intelligence that can be used to check IP reputation (although not a direct SenderScore equivalent).
Key considerations
- Accuracy Concerns: The reverse DNS lookup method may not always provide an accurate SenderScore.
- Verification is Crucial: It is highly recommended to verify the results obtained through the DNS lookup with the official SenderScore website.
- SenderScore Alternatives: Recognize that SenderScore is only one element of reputation, and there are other systems that may be relevant.
- Octet Clarification: Only the last octet of the returned IP is relevant to the SenderScore, so disregard earlier values.
What email marketers say
4 marketer opinions
Multiple sources indicate that you can potentially obtain your SenderScore via a DNS lookup. This involves reversing the octets of your IP address and querying the DNS record for `<reversed-ip>.score.senderscore.com`. The last octet of the resulting IP address should represent your SenderScore. However, this method is not officially documented or guaranteed to be accurate, so it should be verified with the official SenderScore website.
Key opinions
- Reverse IP Lookup: The core technique involves reversing the octets of your IP address.
- DNS Query: Querying `<reversed-ip>.score.senderscore.com` provides the SenderScore.
- Last Octet Value: The last octet of the resolving IP address represents the SenderScore.
Key considerations
- Unofficial Method: This method is not officially supported by SenderScore.
- Accuracy: The accuracy of this method is not guaranteed.
- Verification: Results should be verified with the official SenderScore website for confirmation.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares a tip, mentioning that you can reverse your IP and use it in a DNS lookup against `score.senderscore.com`. The final part of the returned IP address will give you your sender score. However, they caution to verify the result since it may not always be accurate.
20 Oct 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackExchange user suggests a method to programmatically get the SenderScore by reversing the octets of your IP address and then querying the DNS record for `<reversed-ip>.score.senderscore.com`. The last octet of the resolving IP address should be your SenderScore.
10 Sep 2022 - StackExchange
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Several experts mention that you can attempt to retrieve your SenderScore by performing a reverse DNS lookup on your IP address. This involves reversing the octets of your IP and querying the `score.senderscore.com` domain (e.g., `host <reversed-ip>.score.senderscore.com`). The last octet of the resulting IP address is supposed to represent the SenderScore. While a quick method, its accuracy isn't always guaranteed and that other systems are more important.
Key opinions
- Reverse DNS Lookup Method: The primary method involves reversing the IP address and querying `score.senderscore.com`.
- Score Location: The final octet of the returned IP address from the DNS lookup should be the SenderScore.
- Octet Significance: In the result `127.0.4.XX`, only `XX` represents the score.
Key considerations
- Accuracy Not Guaranteed: The reverse DNS lookup method may not always provide an accurate SenderScore.
- Other Reputation Systems: SenderScore is just one source of reputation data; other systems used by ISPs might be more relevant.
- Not Officially Supported: This method is not an officially supported way to retrieve SenderScore.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that one approach to look up Senderscore is performing a DNS lookup. Reversing the IP address of the mail server and querying the domain `score.senderscore.com` will return an IP address where the last octet is the Senderscore. The method is not officially supported and may not always be accurate, it can serve as a quick check.
22 Nov 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Senderscore is just one source and that other reputation systems, particularly those used by ISPs, are more important. The expert also mentions that the reverse DNS lookup can show your score.
6 Jun 2025 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
While the official Senderscore method involves visiting their website, some users employ DNS lookups. This involves reversing the IP and querying a specific domain (likely score.senderscore.com). The last octet of the response should represent the score. Other services like MXToolbox and Talos also provide IP reputation checks, and while not direct Senderscore alternatives, mention methods which may use a DNS lookup.
Key findings
- DNS Lookup Alternative: DNS lookups provide an alternative way to find your Senderscore.
- Reverse IP Required: You need to reverse your IP address before performing the DNS query.
- Last Octet Contains Score: The final octet of the returned IP address contains the Senderscore.
- IP Reputation Checks: Other services offer IP reputation checks, potentially using DNS lookups.
Key considerations
- Unofficial: The documentation implies the DNS lookup method isn't officially supported.
- Talos Not Equivalent: Talos Intelligence doesn't offer a direct SenderScore equivalent, but offers different reputation tracking which you may be able to check using a similar method.
Technical article
Documentation from MXToolbox outlines that SenderScore.org assigns a score between 0 and 100, indicating the quality of your sending IP address. While not explicitly detailing DNS lookup methods, they allude to the possibility of extracting some data programmatically, which would involve a DNS lookup.
25 Sep 2023 - MXToolbox
Technical article
Documentation from Talos Intelligence explains that while they don't offer a direct Senderscore equivalent, reputation can be checked by IP. While not specifically about DNS lookups for SenderScore, they do mention methods by which you can use a DNS lookup to check reputation status.
19 Dec 2023 - Talos Intelligence
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