NTRP vs UTR: How to Rate Your Tennis Level

Updated October 2026. Tennis City NYC › New York City Tennis Guides

Use NTRP if you want to play USTA leagues, and because many players describe their level that way. Use UTR if you want a rating that comes straight from match results. NTRP runs from 1.5 to 7.0 in half-point steps, and UTR runs from 1.00 to 16.50. They aren’t the same scale, so a 4.0 in one doesn’t mean a 4.00 in the other.

What the NTRP levels mean

This is a short version of USTA’s general characteristics:

Level	What USTA describes
2.5	Can sustain a slow backcourt rally with similar players. Ready for social matches, leagues and low-level tournaments.
3.0	Fairly consistent on medium-paced shots, but not comfortable with all strokes. Lacks accuracy on direction, depth and pace.
3.5	Dependable strokes with directional control on moderate shots, but lacks depth and variety. More comfortable at the net.
4.0	Dependable strokes with direction and depth on both sides at moderate pace. Uses lobs, overheads, approaches and volleys with success.
4.5	Varies pace and spin, covers the court well, controls depth and builds game plans. Hits a powerful, accurate first serve and places the second.

How to self-rate honestly

Read the description for the level you think you are, and the one above. Choose the one that matches how you play under pressure, not your best day.
If you played competitively, check USTA’s experienced player guidelines. They set levels by high school, college or ranked play, and by age.
If you’re new to tennis but have competed in another sport, USTA says not to rate below 3.0.
Use the same guidelines for a USTA league. If your rating has expired, USTA limits you to your last published rating, and it says grievance committees can suspend captains who condone self-rating abuse.

How UTR works

All players sit on the same scale regardless of age or gender. According to UTR Sports:

With no match results, you get an estimated rating.
One match result gives you a projected rating.
After about six matches, UTR considers the rating reliable.
A Verified UTR counts only results from verified third-party event providers, such as sanctioned adult leagues and tournaments.

The basic rating is free. UTR’s chart shows very rough overlaps with NTRP, but we’d treat those as a guide and not a conversion.

Which one to use in New York

Joining a USTA team: NTRP. It’s the official system for USTA leagues. See USTA leagues in Metro New York.
Finding a hitting partner: whichever you know. Say how you know it, such as “self-rated 3.5”. See how to find a tennis partner.
Clinics and club programs: ask the operator how they place players, because they may use their own levels.

FAQ

What if I’ve never been rated?

Use the table above and describe your play in plain terms. A few matches against similar players will show you quickly if you’re off.

Does an NTRP rating change?

Yes. USTA says ratings based on league play move slowly up or down as results come in.

Can I play above my level?

In USTA leagues, the national regulations allow play at your level or one level above in straight-level leagues.

Looking for someone to play with? Join the Tennis City NYC Slack group and post a day, time and court at your NTRP level. It is free now; new members pay $5 a year after the 200th member.