How does percentile work?

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FritterAndWaste

Do you want it to be high or low?

I'm currently 86% or something, does this mean I'm better than 86% of users on this site, or am I in the top 86%?

 

FritterAndWaste

Ah okay thanks

 

MickinMD

Note than the percentage involves many who tried out the site, got their butts kicked, and stopped playing with low ratings, so don't get too excited.  My daily rating is in the top 3% and I know I'm not that skilled.

Here's an OTB rating graph from the USCF I found from 2004, which should still be pretty accurate. IM Jeremy Silman says chess.com ratings are 200-300 points higher than USCF Standard Ratings:

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