Pickleball Ratings Explained: What Is DUPR and Why Does It Matter?

If you’ve been around the courts, you’ve heard people say, “I’m a 3.5,” or “She’s pushing 4.0.”Or maybe someone’s asked, “Do you have a DUPR rating?”

And you’re like… what does that even mean?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you. Here’s a clear, simple guide to pickleball ratings, DUPR, and why you should care.

✅ What Is DUPR?

DUPR = Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating.

It’s a global system that gives players a real-time skill rating between 2.0 and 8.0, based on match results, not opinions.

The higher your DUPR, the stronger your competitive level.

🎯 Why Does Your Rating Matter?

• Better Matches: Play people at your skill level for fun, fair games.

• League & Tournament Placement: Many leagues and tournaments use DUPR to create fair brackets.

• Track Progress: See your improvement over time with a clear number.

• Set Goals: Want to go from 3.0 to 3.5? DUPR shows when you get there.

🏓 How Is DUPR Calculated?

✅ Match Results: Singles and doubles games count.

✅ Opponent’s Rating: Beating higher-rated players helps you climb faster.

✅ Point Differential: Not just wins/losses, but how close the games are.

✅ Rec Play Counts: You can submit scores from Open Play and rec games, not just tournaments.

The more games you play and log, the more accurate your rating becomes.

🧐 What’s a “Good” DUPR Rating?

• 2.5–3.0: Beginner/recreational level

• 3.0–3.5: Intermediate (most players here)

• 3.5–4.0: Advanced rec, local tournament level

• 4.0–4.5: Competitive tournament level

• 4.5+: High-level tournament/elite players

📲 How Do You Get a DUPR Rating?

1️⃣ Download the DUPR app (iOS or Android).

2️⃣ Create a free account.

3️⃣ Log your games (with scores and opponents).

4️⃣ Watch your rating adjust as you play more.

🏠 How We Use DUPR at BPW

At Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse, we use DUPR for:

• League placements to ensure competitive balance.

• DUPR ladder nights to help you level up.

• Tracking your progress from beginner to advanced.

• Helping you find practice partners at your level.

🏁 TL;DR

✅ DUPR = Your official pickleball skill rating.

✅ Helps you get better matches, track progress, and play competitive events.

✅ Free to use, easy to log games, and widely adopted.

👉 Ready to get your DUPR rating? Join a DUPR ladder or league at BPW now and start tracking your growth.

Level up your game. See your number. And have more fun while you’re at it.