How this calculator works
The ICC team ranking works like a batting average: a team's rating is its points total divided by the number of matches in the rating period. A rating is shown to the nearest whole number. After each match, both teams earn points based on the result and on the gap between their ratings. When the gap is under 40 points, the winner earns the opponent's rating plus 50 and the loser earns the opponent's rating minus 50; a tie gives each team the opponent's rating. When the gap is 40 points or more, the stakes change: the stronger team gains 10 for a win, loses 90 for a defeat and loses 40 for a tie, while the weaker team gains 90, loses 10 or gains 40. Points are conserved between the two teams in every match. The rating period weights recent matches fully and older matches at half, and the details differ between formats.
Formula
Rating = points / matches. New rating = (old rating x old matches + points earned) / (old matches + 1). For a rating gap below 40: win = opponent rating + 50, loss = opponent rating - 50, tie = opponent rating. For a gap of 40 or more: stronger team win = own rating + 10, loss = own rating - 90, tie = own rating - 40; weaker team win = own rating + 90, loss = own rating - 10, tie = own rating + 40.
Worked example
A team with 3,600 points from 30 matches has a rating of 120. In a match against a team rated 100 with 20 matches, a Team 1 win earns Team 1 100 + 50 = 150 points and Team 2 120 - 50 = 70 points. Team 1's new rating is (3,600 + 150) / 31 = 120.97 and Team 2's is (2,000 + 70) / 21 = 98.57. If the gap were 60, a win by the weaker team would earn it 90 points and cost the stronger team 90.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do the points rules change at a 40-point gap?
Without the change, a strong team would gain very little for beating a much weaker side, and a surprise defeat would not move the table enough. The larger swing at 40 points makes upsets and heavy favourites behave sensibly.
Are points conserved?
Yes. The points the winner gains equal the points the loser gives up, so the total across the two teams does not change during a match. That prevents rating inflation.
Which matches count?
The ICC rating period covers roughly the last three to four years, with recent matches weighted more heavily. Test, ODI and T20I rankings are separate, and the eligibility and weighting rules are set by the ICC.