---
title: "What Is A record? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "An A record is a DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address. The A stands for address. It tells browsers which server to contact."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/a-record
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Registration and DNS

# A record

An A record is a DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address. The A stands for address. It tells browsers which server to contact.

## Why it matters

When a buyer takes over a domain, the A record decides where the website loads. Point it at the new host and the site changes over. Many aftermarket landers use an A record or name servers to show a for-sale page. A common mistake is leaving an old A record in place after a sale. Visitors then reach the previous owner's server. A records hold IPv4 only. IPv6 uses a separate AAAA record.

Source: [cloudflare.com](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/dns-records/dns-a-record/)

## Where we use this term

-   [.com vs .ai vs .io vs .co: How to Choose a Domain Extension](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/com-vs-ai-vs-io-vs-co)
-   [How Domain Escrow Works (and Why Every Deal Should Use It)](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-escrow)
-   [.ai Passed 1 Million Domains and Raised Prices in 2026](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/ai-domains-one-million-price-increase)
-   [Grit Brokerage Discusses Recent Domain Sales as of Q1 2026](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/grit-brokerage-discusses-recent-domain-sales-as-of-q1-2026)
-   [Cybersquatting Hit a Record in 2025: WIPO Overview 3.1](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/record-cybersquatting-2025-wipo-overview-3-1)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)