What those level numbers in the booking apps actually mean — and why they can feel different from club to club.
Playtomic (the booking app a lot of clubs use) rates players from about 1.0 to 7.0, in steps of 0.25. It's the closest thing padel has to a universal number — but it's a guide, not an exam result.
Your level isn't something you pick — it's an algorithmic rating that updates after competitive matches you record in the app (friendlies and socials usually don't count). It moves based on the result and how strong your opponents were: beating a higher-rated pair pushes you up more than beating a lower-rated one.
Most complete beginners start around 1.0–2.0. In your first 15–20 recorded matches the system is still "calibrating," so swings of 0.5–1.0 either way are completely normal. Don't read too much into an early number — it settles down the more you play.
These are approximate — think "vibe check," not strict rule:
| Level | Roughly |
|---|---|
| 0.5 – 1.5 | Absolute beginner, first few sessions |
| 1.5 – 2.5 | Club beginner, knows the basics |
| 2.5 – 3.5 | Regular club player, comfortable rallying |
| 3.5 – 4.5 | Competent intermediate |
| 4.5 – 5.5 | Competitive amateur |
| 5.5+ | Regional/national amateur and up |
Here's the thing nobody tells you: a "3.0" isn't identical everywhere. Different countries, clubs, and even individual coaches calibrate slightly differently, and a class labelled "Intermediate" at one club might be another club's "Advanced Beginner." If a session or coach's assessment doesn't match your app number, that's normal — not a sign you did something wrong. When in doubt, ask the coach or club directly which of their sessions suits you, rather than relying on the number alone.
If you've never recorded a match, you won't have a reliable number yet — and that's completely fine. Tell the club or coach you're a complete beginner and let them place you; they do this every week.
It exists to help you find fair games, nothing more. Play, have fun, and let it sort itself out 🩷
Level ranges are approximate and based on Playtomic's own published guidance — always double-check with your club or coach.