Chess title norm calculator
How the calculation works
- Opponent ratings are averaged after the rating floor and the unrated opponent rule have been applied.
- The average is rounded to a whole number.
- Your score percentage gives a rating difference from the Handbook table.
- Performance is the average plus that rating difference.
- The mix of titles and federations is then compared with the annex counts for the length of the tournament.
Every figure in the table above sits beside the Handbook clause it comes from.
The annex tables every norm title shares
The Handbook annex sets the opponent mix by the number of rounds, and the counts are the same for the Grandmaster, International Master, Woman Grandmaster and Woman International Master norms. What differs by title is which titles count as the title the norm needs, and the rating floor below. Each guide to a norm title links here instead of repeating these tables.
| Rounds | Games | Needed | Counting | One fed. | Own fed. | Other fed. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 3 | 4 | No limit | No limit | None |
| 8 | 8 | 3 | 4 | No limit | No limit | None |
| 9 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| 10 | 10 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| 11 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 2 |
| 12 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 2 |
| 13 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 2 |
| 14 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 2 |
| 15 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 2 |
| 16 | 13 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 2 |
| 17 | 13 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 2 |
| 18 | 13 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 10 | 2 |
| 19 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 2 |
| Clause B01 Annex, 7 to 19 rounds | ||||||
| Rounds | Games | Needed | Counting | One fed. | Own fed. | Other fed. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 12 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 14 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 16 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| 18 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| Clause B01 Annex, 7 to 19 rounds | ||||||
If the lowest rated opponent is under the floor for the title, that opponent counts at the floor when the average is worked out.
| Norm title | Floor |
|---|---|
| GM | 2200 |
| IM | 2050 |
| WGM | 2000 |
| WIM | 1850 |
| Clause B01 1.4.6 | |
What the three example tournaments show
- Passes every requirement. 6 of 9 against an average of 2492 with a good mix of titles and federations: every requirement is met.
- Misses on performance. The same opponents with 5 of 9: the mix is right but the performance rating falls short.
- Misses on federation mix. 6 of 9 with a strong field, but six opponents come from the applicant's own federation: the cap is five.
What this tool does not decide
Only FIDE grants a norm, and it does so on an arbiter's report of the event. This tool compares the numbers you enter with the listed requirements, so treat the answer as a check on your own results.
Check what a whole title application still needs, compare all FIDE titles or read How to become a Grandmaster.
Frequently asked questions
How many games must my norms cover?
Together at least 27 games B01 1.5.1, and one event can add at most 13 games B01 1.7 to that total. The Handbook does not state a number of norms.
Does a norm alone earn me a title?
No. You also need a rating reached at some time: 2500 B01 1.5.3 for a Grandmaster, 2400 for an International Master, 2300 for a Woman Grandmaster and 2200 for a Woman International Master.
How many rounds a day can a norm event have?
At most 2 B01 1.1.3 rounds on any one day.
Does this calculator decide whether I have earned a norm?
No. It compares the games you enter with the listed requirements. FIDE grants a norm on the report of the event's arbiter.
Working toward a title?
Start with a first lesson: George reviews your games and builds a plan around them.
Cancel or reschedule a lesson up to 24 hours ahead by replying to the email that set it up, and it stays on your package.