Five free table tennis tools covering Elo ratings, match scoring, serve rotation, reaction time, and calorie burn. Covers both recreational and competitive ITTF formats.
Table tennis basics
Table tennis is played on a 2.74m × 1.525m table, divided by a 15.25cm net. Games are played to 11 points (win by 2) using rally scoring. Serves alternate every 2 points (every 5 points was the old rule — changed in 2001). Players serve from behind the end line, bouncing the ball on their side first then over the net. The ball must be thrown visibly upward at least 16cm from an open palm before striking.
Spin is the defining technical element of competitive table tennis. Topspin, backspin, sidespin, and combinations create ball trajectories that are difficult to read and return consistently.
All table tennis tools
5Table Tennis Elo Rating Calculator
Calculate how your Elo rating changes after a table tennis match win or loss.
Open toolTable Tennis Score Tracker
Track a table tennis match point by point — best of 5 or 7 games to 11 points.
Open toolTable Tennis Serve Rotation Guide
Find out who serves next in a table tennis game — every 2 points normally, every 1 at deuce.
Open toolTable Tennis Reaction Time Calculator
Calculate how fast you must react to return a table tennis ball at a given speed.
Open toolTable Tennis Calorie Calculator
Estimate calories burned playing table tennis by intensity and bodyweight.
Open toolFrequently asked questions
What is the Elo rating system in table tennis?
The Elo system (named after physicist Arpad Elo) calculates player ratings based on match results relative to opponent strength. Winning against a higher-rated opponent gains more points; losing to a lower-rated opponent loses more. The ITTF uses a version of Elo for world rankings. In club competition, Elo ratings provide a fair measure of relative ability and expected match outcomes. The calculator shows how your rating would change based on match results and rating difference.
How does serve rotation work in table tennis?
In modern table tennis rules (post-2001), service alternates every 2 points. At 10-10 (deuce), service alternates every single point. In doubles, service rotates so that each player serves 2 consecutive points in turn. The serve rotation guide shows the correct sequence for any doubles pairing and ensures players know who serves when returning from deuce.
What rubber should I use for table tennis?
Beginners: ITTF-approved pre-made bats with medium-speed inverted rubbers are appropriate — they provide a reasonable response without requiring advanced technique. Intermediate players typically choose separate blade and rubbers based on playing style: inverted (smooth, pimples facing in) for topspin play; short pimples for fast, flat hitting; long pimples for defensive chopping and reversal of spin. Rubber thickness (1.5–2.2mm) affects speed and spin — thicker is faster and spinnier but less controlled.