How Chess Ratings Work: A Simple Guide to the Numbers Behind the Game

If you’ve watched or played chess, you’ve probably heard someone say, “She’s a 2200,” or “He’s rated 1500.” But what do those numbers actually mean? And how are they calculated?

Chess ratings are a way to measure how strong a player is. The most widely used system is called the Elo rating system, developed by physicist Arpad Elo. It works a bit like a points-based ladder: when you win, your rating goes up; when you lose, it goes down. The bigger the difference in strength between you and your opponent, the more (or less) your rating changes.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

Starting Out

Most players begin with a “provisional” or starting rating. In online chess, that might be 800 or 1200, depending on the platform. In official over-the-board (OTB) tournaments, players get a FIDE rating (used internationally) or a US Chess rating after a few rated games.

Playing Games

Each time you play a rated game, your result is compared to what the system expected you to do. If you’re rated 1400 and you beat someone rated 1600, that’s an upset—you’ll gain more points. But if you lose to someone rated 1200, you’re expected to win, so you’ll lose more points than usual.

The Math (but not too much!)

At the heart of the rating change is this idea: how “surprising” was your result? If two equally rated players draw, nobody gains or loses much. If an underdog wins, it’s a surprise—so the system rewards them.

Ratings adjust slowly over time to reflect your true playing strength. A new player’s rating changes faster (they’re still finding their level), while experienced players' ratings move more slowly.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

• 1000–1200: Beginner

• 1200–1600: Intermediate or club level

• 1600–2000: Strong amateur

• 2000–2200: Expert level

• 2200+: Master

• 2500+: Grandmaster level

Online ratings (like on Chess.com or Lichess) often run higher than official FIDE ratings—so don’t compare them directly!

Why Ratings Matter

Ratings help match players with opponents of similar strength, making games fair and fun. They also give players clear goals: reaching 1800, cracking 2000, or maybe even earning a national title.

In the end, ratings aren’t everything—but they are a powerful way to measure progress, build confidence, and stay motivated in the world’s most timeless game.