Chess Rating Converter
Convert your chess rating between Lichess, Chess.com, FIDE, and USCF instantly. Find out what your online rating means in over-the-board tournaments.
Based on ChessDojo 2024 statistical analysis of 28,000+ player data points
Enter a rating between 100 and 3500
Note: Rating conversions are approximate and may vary based on individual playing style and rating pool differences.
Why Use Our Chess Rating Converter?
The most accurate and comprehensive chess rating conversion tool available online
Data-Driven Accuracy
Our conversion formulas are based on the ChessDojo Universal Rating Converter study from September 2024, analyzing over 28,000 player accounts with verified FIDE ratings. This ensures the most accurate Lichess to Chess.com conversion and FIDE rating estimates available.
All Time Controls Supported
Convert ratings across bullet, blitz, rapid, and classical time controls. Each time control has different rating distributions, and our tool accounts for these differences when converting between platforms like Lichess and Chess.com.
Confidence Ranges Included
Every conversion includes a confidence range (typically ±50-100 points) so you know the expected variance. Chess ratings are estimates, and our tool transparently shows the uncertainty in cross-platform comparisons.
Understanding Chess Rating Systems
Why Are Lichess Ratings Higher Than Chess.com?
One of the most common questions in online chess is why Lichess ratings appear inflated compared to Chess.com. The answer lies in how each platform initializes new accounts and calculates ratings. Lichess starts new players at 1500 rating points, while Chess.com uses a lower starting point around 1200 for most time controls. This fundamental difference creates a systematic offset between the two platforms.
Statistical analysis from community forums and the ChessDojo study shows that Lichess blitz ratings are typically 200-400 points higher than Chess.com blitz ratings for the same player. For example, a 1800 Lichess blitz player might be around 1500-1600 on Chess.com. This difference varies by rating level, with the gap being larger at lower ratings and smaller at higher ratings.
Online vs Over-the-Board (OTB) Ratings
Converting online ratings to FIDE or USCF ratings is more complex than comparing two online platforms. Over-the-board chess involves different skills like handling time pressure with physical clocks, managing nerves in tournament settings, and playing without the ability to premove. Many players find their OTB rating is 100-300 points lower than their online rapid rating.
FIDE ratings are generally considered the gold standard for chess strength measurement. USCF ratings tend to run about 50-100 points higher than FIDE for the same player. Our converter accounts for these differences and provides estimates based on large-scale statistical analysis of players who have both online and OTB ratings.
Chess Rating Comparison Guide
Here is a general comparison of chess ratings across different platforms. Note that individual results may vary based on playing style, time control preferences, and experience level.
| Skill Level | Lichess Blitz | Chess.com Blitz | FIDE Standard | USCF Regular |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 800-1200 | 400-800 | Unrated-1000 | Unrated-1000 |
| Casual Player | 1200-1500 | 800-1100 | 1000-1300 | 1000-1400 |
| Club Player | 1500-1800 | 1100-1400 | 1300-1600 | 1400-1700 |
| Advanced | 1800-2100 | 1400-1700 | 1600-1900 | 1700-2000 |
| Expert | 2100-2400 | 1700-2000 | 1900-2200 | 2000-2200 |
| Master | 2400+ | 2000+ | 2200+ | 2200+ |
* These ranges are approximate and based on blitz time controls. Rapid and classical ratings may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my Lichess 1800 rating on Chess.com?
A Lichess 1800 blitz rating typically converts to approximately 1450-1550 on Chess.com blitz. The exact conversion depends on your time control and playing style. Use our converter above for a more precise estimate based on the latest statistical data.
How accurate is the Lichess to FIDE conversion?
Our Lichess to FIDE conversion is based on analysis of 28,000+ accounts with verified FIDE ratings. The typical accuracy is within ±75 points. However, individual results vary based on factors like OTB experience, time control preferences, and whether you perform better online or in-person.
Why is there rating inflation on Lichess?
Lichess rating inflation occurs because new accounts start at 1500 rating points, which is higher than most beginners actual skill level. As these players lose games, rating points are distributed to other players, gradually inflating the overall rating pool. Chess.com uses a lower starting point, resulting in less inflation.
What is the difference between FIDE and USCF ratings?
FIDE (World Chess Federation) ratings are international and used worldwide, while USCF (US Chess Federation) ratings are specific to tournaments in the United States. USCF ratings tend to be 50-100 points higher than FIDE for the same player due to differences in the rating calculation methods and player pools.
Does time control affect rating conversion?
Yes, time control significantly affects rating conversion. Bullet ratings tend to be more volatile and may not accurately reflect classical strength. Rapid ratings are generally closer to OTB performance. Our converter allows you to select your specific time control for more accurate results.
How do I estimate my FIDE rating from online play?
To estimate your FIDE rating, use your rapid or classical online rating rather than bullet or blitz. Subtract approximately 200-400 points from your Lichess rapid rating, or 100-200 points from your Chess.com rapid rating. Our converter provides more precise estimates based on your specific rating.
Our Conversion Methodology
Our chess rating converter uses linear regression formulas derived from the ChessDojo Universal Rating Converter study published in September 2024. This comprehensive study analyzed over 1 million Lichess accounts and identified approximately 28,000 players who had listed their FIDE ratings in their profiles.
The conversion formulas account for the non-linear relationship between rating systems at different skill levels. For example, the gap between Lichess and FIDE ratings is larger for lower-rated players and smaller for higher-rated players. Our tool uses piecewise linear regression to provide accurate conversions across all rating ranges from beginner to master level.
We also incorporate data from Lichess forum statistical analyses and Chess.com community research to cross-validate our conversion formulas. The confidence ranges displayed with each conversion reflect the standard deviation observed in the underlying data, giving you a realistic expectation of the conversion accuracy.
Data Sources
- ChessDojo Universal Rating Converter (September 2024) - 28,000+ verified FIDE ratings
- Lichess Forum Statistical Analysis - Community-driven rating comparisons
- Chess.com Rating Correlation Studies - Cross-platform player data
- ECF Forum Online to OTB Conversion Discussions - Real player experiences
Supported Conversions
- Lichess to Chess.com
- Chess.com to Lichess
- Lichess to FIDE
- Chess.com to FIDE
- Lichess to USCF
- Chess.com to USCF
- FIDE to USCF
- USCF to FIDE
- And all reverse conversions
Time Controls
- Bullet (1 minute)
- Blitz (3-5 minutes)
- Rapid (10-15 minutes)
- Classical (30+ minutes)
Tips for Accurate Rating Comparison
1. Use Your Established Rating
For the most accurate conversion, use a rating from an account where you have played at least 100+ games. New accounts with provisional ratings can be highly volatile and may not reflect your true playing strength. The rating deviation (RD) should ideally be below 100.
2. Match Time Controls
When comparing ratings, try to match time controls as closely as possible. Your blitz rating on one platform should be compared to blitz on another. Comparing bullet to classical will give misleading results since different skills are emphasized in each format.
3. Consider Your Playing Environment
Online and over-the-board chess are different experiences. Some players perform better online due to comfort and convenience, while others excel in tournament settings with the pressure and focus of in-person play. Factor this into your expectations when converting to FIDE or USCF.
4. Use the Confidence Range
Our converter provides a confidence range with each estimate. Use this range rather than fixating on the exact number. If your converted rating shows 1500 ±75, your actual rating on the target platform could reasonably be anywhere from 1425 to 1575.
Ready to Convert Your Chess Rating?
Use our free chess rating converter above to instantly compare your rating across Lichess, Chess.com, FIDE, and USCF. No sign-up required, completely free, and based on the latest statistical research.
Whether you are wondering what your Lichess 1800 means on Chess.com, estimating your potential FIDE rating before your first tournament, or comparing USCF to international ratings, our converter has you covered with accurate, data-driven estimates.