Pickleball Player Rating Systems

If you play competitive pickleball, you've likely heard about different rating systems used to measure player skill levels. Until 2024, PlayTime Scheduler had only used Self-Ratings as a means of categorizing players and sessions on a scale of 2.0-5.0. These numeric ratings were based on USA Pickleball's Skill Level Definitions, which linked closely with the official tournament rating system used for many years, UTPR (USA Pickleball Tournament Player Rating).

In 2024, USA Pickleball phased out UTPR in favor of UTR-P (UTR Pickleball Rating) by UTR Sports for their sanctioned tournaments. Look closely, those two acronyms are really similar, but not the same!

As of 2026, USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and PPA Tour have all adopted DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) as their official rating system.

Here is a brief summary of each rating system and links to more information:

Self-Ratings — Based on USA Pickleball Skill Levels

  • USA Pickleball established the first nationwide, official Skill Level scale in 2005. These levels group players by ability, providing newcomers with a simple way to get started, even without an official pickleball rating.
  • Generally used in half or quarter-point increments between 2.0 and 5.0, based on observable skills and/or match performance.
  • Self ratings tend to be somewhat regional. Comparing your skill level to those around you is typically more accurate that using the published Skill Definitions.

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating)

  • One of the most well-known and widely adopted global rating systems, originally promoted by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).
  • As of 2026, became the official rating system of USA Pickleball and the APP Tour.
  • Assigns players a rating between 2.0 and 8.0 based on match performance.
  • Un-rated players may also obtain a Provisional Rating from a certified DUPR coach.
  • Considers all types of play— recreational, club, and tournament results.
  • The algorithm factors in the opponent's skill level, match results, and point differentials.

PlayTime Scheudler users can sync their official DUPR to their profiles, and set up DUPR play sessions. Note that if you choose to use DUPR for your session, players will be required to have linked to their DUPR account before they may sign up.

  • Click here for instructions on how to use DUPR with PlayTime Scheduler.