Pdga Ratings Calculator

Expert Verified by: Marcus Thorne, Professional Disc Golfer & Course Designer

Understanding your performance on the course is essential for growth. This PDGA Ratings Calculator helps you estimate your round rating by comparing your score against the course’s Scratch Scoring Estimate (SSA), providing instant feedback on your disc golf skill level.

PDGA Ratings Calculator

Standard courses usually range from 8 to 13 points.

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PDGA Ratings Calculator Formula:

Rating = 1000 + ((SSA – Score) × PointsPerStroke)

Source: PDGA Official Ratings Guide

Variables:

• Round Score: The total number of strokes you took during your round.
• SSA (Scratch Scoring Estimate): The score a 1000-rated player is expected to shoot on that specific course layout.
• Points Per Stroke: The multiplier that determines how many rating points each stroke is worth (typically 10 for standard courses).

Related Calculators:

• Disc Golf Putting Accuracy Tracker
• UDisc to PDGA Rating Converter
• Handicap Index Calculator
• Course Difficulty Multiplier Tool

What is a PDGA Rating?

A PDGA rating is a numerical value that represents a player’s skill level relative to other players. It is calculated by comparing your round scores to the scores of “propagators” (players with established ratings) on the same course under the same conditions.

While the official PDGA algorithm uses complex weighted averages and propagator data, the SSA method is the industry standard for providing a highly accurate estimation of what a round is worth immediately after you finish playing.

How to Calculate PDGA Rating (Example):

1. Identify the course SSA (e.g., 50.0).
2. Determine your Round Score (e.g., 55).
3. Subtract your score from the SSA: 50 – 55 = -5.
4. Multiply the difference by the Points Per Stroke (usually 10): -5 × 10 = -50.
5. Add this value to the base of 1000: 1000 + (-50) = 950.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Does a higher SSA make it easier to get a high rating? No. While a higher SSA means the course is harder, the rating is still relative to the expected score of a 1000-rated player.

What is the average PDGA rating? Most amateur players fall between 750 and 900. Professional level play typically starts at 970+.

Why do points per stroke change? On very long or difficult courses, one stroke is “worth” fewer rating points (e.g., 8), whereas on short pitch-and-putt courses, one stroke might be worth 13 points.

Can I calculate my rating without an SSA? You can estimate SSA if you know the round ratings of other players, but using the official course SSA is the most reliable method.