Lichess vs Chess.com
How ratings compare across the two biggest online chess platforms — and why your Lichess number is always higher.
Why ratings differ
The average difference between Lichess and Chess.com ratings is 200-300 points. This is not because one platform is easier — it's a mathematical consequence of how each platform initializes and adjusts ratings.
Lichess starts everyone at 1500 with high rating deviation (uncertainty). It uses Glicko-2, which factors in rating volatility and adjusts more aggressively for new accounts.
Chess.com starts players around 400-800 based on a placement quiz, using a Glicko-based system. The lower starting point and different pool dynamics create a lower overall rating scale.
Rating equivalents
| Chess.com | Lichess (approx.) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 400-600 | 700-900 | Beginner |
| 600-800 | 900-1100 | Casual |
| 800-1000 | 1100-1300 | Developing |
| 1000-1200 | 1300-1500 | Intermediate |
| 1200-1400 | 1500-1700 | Club player |
| 1400-1600 | 1700-1900 | Strong club |
| 1600-1800 | 1900-2100 | Advanced |
| 1800-2000 | 2100-2300 | Expert |
| 2000-2200 | 2300-2500 | Candidate Master |
| 2200+ | 2500+ | Master |
Glicko vs Glicko-2
Both platforms use variants of the Glicko system (not pure Elo). Glicko adds a"rating deviation" (RD) that measures confidence — new accounts have high RD, meaning bigger rating swings per game.
Lichess uses Glicko-2, which adds a volatility parameter tracking how consistently you perform. Chess.com uses a modified Glicko system with proprietary adjustments.
As you play more games, RD decreases and your rating stabilises. This is why early games can cause ±100 point swings while established accounts might move ±8 per game.
Platform features
Each time control (bullet, blitz, rapid) has a separate rating on both platforms. Your blitz rating has no effect on your rapid rating.
Both platforms mark ratings as "provisional" until you've played enough games (~20-30). Provisional ratings change faster and are less reliable.
Chess.com has a rating floor of 100. Lichess has no hard floor but ratings below 600 are extremely rare due to the 1500 starting point.