How accurate are these Chess.com ratings?

It says I'm about 1000 after 20 games.  It is at least in the right ballpark?  +/- 100, let's say?

Yes.

I don't know how good you are, but it's probably accurate.

The more games you play reguarly the more accurate it is. Of course thats a reflection of Chess.com player pool...

Good points. OP, Is your rating change potential before every game down to 16? Like, If I played someone higher than me, it might say +10 for win, -6 for loss (16 total) since I have played a lot of games.

You should perhaps manually turn down your rating "deviation dial" to -1 if you want more accuate results.

What is the dial set on currently?  8?

What do you mean by accurate? Are you comparing them to FIDE or USCF ratings, or do you simply mean that you are wondering if this is an accurate Chess.com rating to your skill?

Wrong!

Figment of johnmusacha's fertile (and funny) imagination. 

I'd say it is pretty close... My rating now is 1253 but that's only because I've been messing around and trying to change the game.  Normally I can go up to high 1400’s and even beat players in 1700’s here.  My USCF rating is 1495 so there you have it.

A renowned university professor has recently proven that Chess.com ratings are deflated by about 200 points when compared to USCF ratings.

My rating in OTB chess has gone up 270 points in the past 8 months or so, and my chess.com ratings have all gone down like 80-120 points. 

Something is messed up

See, it's working.  So I take it you are around 2000-2100 USCF?

You would be surprised at how many people, especially on here, emotionally and hysterically disagree with this professor's findings.  Something about the subject really touches a nerve with the internet chess crowd.  I think there have even been threats of physical violence.

Almost 2000, will be there in the next month or so. Not sure what my true strength is...probably within that range.

So the professors findings also apply to your ratings.  Very good.

I believe chess.com ratings are ~150 points higher than one's USCF rating.

You are wrong.  Totally wrong.  

The point is..... if I met someone in real life, and they asked what sort of player I was, I can use my Chess.com rating as a general ballpark guide (insteading of saying "I'm ok")  No more, no less.

yes