You finish a tournament, check your results on Disc Golf Metrix and spot a number next to your name: 874, 921 or maybe even 950. But your friend has a completely different number on their PDGA profile. So which one is correct? Both. Metrix and PDGA ratings use the same scale, but they're calculated differently.
In this guide, we'll break down how both ratings work, why your numbers might differ and what you can do to improve them. No complicated formulas, just the things worth knowing.
What is a disc golf rating?
A rating is a number that reflects how well you perform in competitive rounds. It helps you compare your level with other players and track your progress over time.
Both systems use 1000 as the benchmark. A player who shoots the course's scratch score receives a round rating of 1000. Every throw above that score lowers the round rating, while every throw below it raises it.
How does the Metrix rating work?
Metrix ratings are based on the course. Your score is compared with the course rating rather than with the other players competing that day. The calculation works in three steps.
- 1First, the course gets a rating. A course needs at least 100 competition results from players who already have a PDGA or Metrix rating. Practice rounds don't count. Using those results, Metrix calculates the course's SSA (Scratch Scoring Average): the score a 1000-rated player would be expected to shoot there. Once enough rated results are in, any Metrix user can click “Save new SSA”.
- 2Each round receives a rating. Every rated course has a rating table showing what each score is worth. You might shoot 54 and receive a round rating of 960. Shoot 60 on the same course and your rating will be lower. You can even check the table before a competition to see what score you need for your target rating.
- 3Your player rating is calculated. On an 18-hole course, Metrix uses the average of your most recent 16 competition rounds. For shorter courses, more rounds are included so the calculation covers over 288 holes in total.
Metrix also has a Quick Rating. It's calculated from your most recent 8 rounds and gives a faster indication of your current form.
Only competitions with at least 10 players count towards your Metrix rating, including weekly leagues on a rated course. Metrix recalculates ratings every night at 3 am, so your updated number should be there the following morning.
How does the PDGA rating work?
The PDGA takes a different approach. Instead of comparing your score with a fixed course rating, it considers how other players performed on the same course in the same round. That makes PDGA ratings more responsive to the conditions on the day.
- 1Round ratings are calculated using propagators. Propagators are players with at least 8 rated rounds and a rating of at least 700. The PDGA uses their results to calculate the round's SSA: what a 1000-rated player would score under those particular conditions. The same course can therefore have a different SSA on a windy day than on a calm one.
- 2Every throw affects your round rating. On a typical 18-hole course, one throw is worth roughly 10 rating points. On easier courses each throw may be worth more, on longer and harder courses less.
- 3Your player rating covers a longer period. The PDGA uses rated rounds from the previous 12 months, counted back from your most recent rated round. With fewer than 8 rated rounds, results from up to 24 months ago may be included. With at least 9 rounds, the most recent 25% receive double weight.
- 4Exceptionally poor rounds may be excluded. A round is left out if its rating is more than 100 points or 2.5 standard deviations below your average.
Unlike Metrix, official PDGA ratings aren't updated every day. They're published once a month, usually on the second Tuesday.
Metrix and PDGA side by side
Pick a system and see how the rating is built.
Why are my Metrix and PDGA ratings different?
Metrix explains it simply: both systems use the same scale, but the calculations aren't identical. The numbers are usually fairly close, and a small difference is completely normal. There are three main reasons.
So which gives a better picture of your level? Both have their value. Metrix is great for tracking your regular competitive form, while the PDGA rating reflects your performances in sanctioned events.
Calculate your round rating
Enter the course SSA (the benchmark score for a 1000-rated player), the rating points per throw (usually around 10) and your score. This is a simplified estimate. For the exact Metrix round rating, check the course's rating table.
How can you improve your disc golf rating?
Don't chase the number itself. Focus on playing better disc golf, and your rating will follow. These habits help.
- 1Play rated competitions regularly. Weekly leagues on courses with a Metrix rating are a great option. The more rated rounds you play, the clearer the picture of your level, and the more comfortable you get competing.
- 2Avoid big mistakes. A birdie feels great, but two double bogeys quickly undo the good work. On difficult holes, take the safer line and keep bogeys under control.
- 3Make your short putts count. Putting lets you improve your scores without learning to throw further. Consistently making short putts saves unnecessary strokes.
- 4Trust the discs in your bag. A competition isn't the best place to experiment. A familiar, reliable disc is often a better choice than something new you haven't learned to control.
- 5Follow your progress, not one result. Your Metrix Quick Rating shows recent form, your player rating the bigger picture. If both are heading upwards, you're on the right track.
Myth or truth?
Test yourself: open a statement to see the answer.
“Practice rounds can improve my Metrix rating.”
“One terrible round will ruin my rating.”
“My Metrix and PDGA ratings should be exactly the same.”
“Playing in strong wind will ruin my PDGA rating.”
Disc Golf Metrix – Your Game in One Place
Created in Estonia, Disc Golf Metrix lets players follow live scores, stats and ratings, and compare results with friends. Organisers can manage registration, live results, competition series and handicap systems.
Not on Metrix yet? Create your free account and start tracking your rounds, results and rating.
Create free accountOpen MetrixData: Disc Golf Metrix, September 2026 (partners.discgolfmetrix.com).
A confident putt and familiar discs help you avoid unnecessary throws. Explore our putters or read our guide to choosing the right one. Free delivery to Latvia and Lithuania, 5 EUR to other EU countries.
Shop puttersHow to choose a putterSources: Disc Golf Metrix, “Metrix Rating Calculation” (discgolfmetrix.com, accessed 14 November 2026); PDGA Ratings System Guide (pdga.com, accessed 14 November 2026); Metrix user, course, club and competition figures: discgolfmetrix.com homepage, 14 November 2026; Disc Golf World Tour, “Disc Golf Metrix is now available for everyone” (2017). The calculator is a simplified estimate. Photos: Günther Küttis / @hetkeline.ee, Estonian Disc Golf Association, Kristjan Noormets.
