KNLTB rating vs DUPR rating: how the rating systems differ

KNLTB rating and DUPR rating both capture skill level in a number. The systems look similar but are mirror images. KNLTB rating runs from 1 (best) to 9 (beginner). DUPR rating runs from 2.0 (beginner) to 8.0 (professional). For multi-sport players — those who play tennis, padel and pickleball — this is confusing: with KNLTB a higher number means you're worse, with DUPR the opposite.

This article dissects both systems — how they work, which matches count, how they're updated, and how to interpret them side-by-side in a multi-sport profile.

KNLTB rating in 2 minutes

The KNLTB rating is the official system of the Royal Dutch Tennis Federation for tennis and padel. Scale: 1.0 (international top) to 9.0 (absolute beginner). The average club player sits between 5.0 and 7.0. Separate for singles and doubles — the same player can have 5.5 singles and 6.5 doubles.

Which matches count: only KNLTB-organised competitions and tournaments. Spring and autumn league, KNLTB-recognised open tournaments, regional events. Free-court play, social club nights and non-KNLTB tournaments do not count. The rating is updated at the end of each competition cycle.

DUPR rating in 2 minutes

The DUPR rating (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the international pickleball rating system. Scale: 2.0 (beginner) to 8.0 (world top). The average club player sits between 3.0 and 4.5. Separate for singles and doubles, just like KNLTB.

Which matches count: both official tournaments (USAPP, ICP) and social club matches, provided both players confirm the result via dupr.com. That's a big difference with KNLTB — DUPR accepts informal matches too. Results are processed via an Elo-style algorithm immediately after confirmation.

The big differences in one row

Scale direction: KNLTB lower-is-better (1 = top), DUPR higher-is-better (8 = top). Update cycle: KNLTB twice a year (after spring and autumn leagues), DUPR right after every registered match. Which matches count: KNLTB only official tournaments, DUPR also social club matches. Sport coverage: KNLTB tennis + padel, DUPR only pickleball. Geographic coverage: KNLTB Netherlands-only, DUPR international.

Comparing skill-level meaning between the two is hard because the sports differ. An experienced club player at KNLTB-tennis level 5 is roughly DUPR-3.5 pickleball if they switch over — but pickleball has a lower learning curve, so after 6 months of training they might be DUPR-4.0 with the same 'general racket-sport aptitude'.

For multi-sport players

Anyone who plays both padel and pickleball has two separate ratings that have nothing to do with each other. KNLTB-5.5 in padel says nothing about DUPR rating in pickleball. Don't expect a padel talent to be automatically a pickleball talent — the skill sets overlap but differ significantly (padel plays with walls, pickleball plays with dink strategy).

Practical advice: use KNLTB for your padel + tennis level (within NL), DUPR for your pickleball level (internationally comparable). Both are free to create — KNLTB via your club membership, DUPR via dupr.com.

Club-internal rating alongside both

Many players want to see their progress without depending on formal competition. Problem: KNLTB only moves after official tournaments (2x per year), DUPR requires active registration of every result. For weekly social club nights neither suffices.

A club-internal rating alongside both fills the gap. Rallyo maintains an Elo-style club rating that adjusts automatically after every club night, ladder match, or social game. Result: players see their level evolve even without formal competition. Three ratings side by side in your profile: KNLTB for competitive tennis/padel, DUPR for pickleball, club rating for weekly practice.

Which rating should you actively track?

For competitive players: KNLTB if you play NL competitions (mandatory for team placement), DUPR if you want to play pickleball tournaments (within or outside NL). For recreational players: a club-internal rating is sufficient; KNLTB/DUPR only relevant if you have a specific competition goal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert my KNLTB rating to DUPR (or vice versa)?

Officially no. The sports differ enough that a formal conversion would be misleading. Rule of thumb: KNLTB-5 in padel matches roughly DUPR-3.5 in pickleball for someone transitioning as a beginner. But that's an estimate, not a formula.

Does a social club night count for my KNLTB rating?

No. Only KNLTB-organised tournaments and competitions count. For DUPR: yes — provided both players register the match via dupr.com.

Is my KNLTB rating visible to other clubs?

Yes, for competition purposes. Other clubs and tournament organisers can request your rating via MyKNLTB. For DUPR: your rating is publicly visible in the DUPR database (dupr.com).