Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does age change my level?

The calculator shows a comparison across all ages and a separate age-adjusted comparison. It applies the selected event and sex's reference age factor to your time before finding the percentile. The highlighted row uses the same reference factor.

Reference factors use the nearest supported whole-year age and event; fractional ages do not create a new fitted population. Where an age is outside the references, the table's note identifies the limit. Some performances also fall outside the supported ranking range.

An age-adjusted percentile compares your performance in this model. It differs from an age-grade percentage against a reference best performance. This calculator does not supply a separate formal age-grade score.

Does bodyweight change my level?

No. For the same sex, age, distance and time, 50 kg and 100 kg give the same level in this version. It is not a bodyweight-class ranking.

There is no height adjustment in these standards. The selected comparison data do not provide a validated height-based ranking; adding a height correction would imply evidence this version does not have.

Bodyweight does not change the time-based results displayed by the newer swimming model.

Which swimming performances can I compare?

These are freestyle comparisons: any stroke is allowed. Freestyle does not mean front crawl only, and the freestyle records are the reference benchmarks. We do not provide separate breaststroke, backstroke or butterfly rankings.

Pool length, turns and starts affect times. The submitted pool course is not verified, so there are no separate 25m/50m/yards standards or course conversions. Record dialogs identify each reference record's pool length.

1500m, 1650yd and one full mile are different distances. 1650yd is 1508.76m; 1760yd is exactly one mile, or 1609.344m. Use the displayed distance and units rather than treating every swimming “mile” as the same event.

Are equivalent times race predictions?

They show times at the same percentile of this version's model over other distances. Different events can represent different groups of athletes. These comparisons do not guarantee every time without event-specific preparation.

What does the finish-time chart show?

The curve estimates relative frequency from the selected model, rather than counting observed results in time bins. Faster times are to the right. Percentages describe how many performances are slower within this comparison.

Your marker keeps the submitted time and the result's age-adjusted percentile. The curve uses the same age reference as your standards row. Charts normally display the 1st to 99th percentiles and extend to include your result when it falls outside that window. That display window does not limit your rating.

Interpolated distances use neighbouring event models. Running ultra estimates extend the marathon relationship; longer swimming estimates extend the shorter-distance fit. These are not independent observed distributions at every distance.

Levels describe this event's model comparison, not your training history or ability in every sport. Elite is a population percentile, not a professional qualification. Use a recent best test or race effort for a meaningful benchmark; standards are not a pace target for every workout.

What are qualifying results?

Each community result is a distance and time entered in the Swimming Level calculator. Qualifying results are the results retained after checks for implausible data, duplicates, and unusual or automated submission patterns, followed by checks for each distance.

We select the best result for each user, sex and event, then use the qualifying results to develop and check our standards. The timing pages show the available qualifying, male and female result counts for each event. The overall standards page shows how many results passed the initial quality checks, before event selection and further filtering.

How are users counted?

User counts estimate how many people submitted results, using distinct submission IP addresses. Shared addresses and address changes mean these are approximate counts. One user can submit several results and contribute to more than one event.

We will continue to update our standards as more community data becomes available. See our standards timeline.

Where do the standards and records come from?

Newer standards use self-reported Swimming Level submissions. They describe that comparison, not all people or a verified race-entry population. One person can submit multiple performances; approximate identity checks do not establish a count of verified athletes.

The selected version fixes the data and model used in your result. New data can lead to a later version. Sources identify inputs and methods without implying endorsement.

New releases follow reviewed data quality and model checks, with no fixed update interval. We do not have a verified geographic breakdown of submissions. The standards pages give the available counts and source limitations.

Available record figures open the corresponding event, athlete, age/category, performance date and source. Missing records stay unavailable. Some sources list best performances rather than a ratified record register; check categories and source selection before treating every entry as a ratified world record.

A fitted percentile can extend beyond an observed record. It estimates the comparison population and is not evidence that a record has been achieved or could be achieved under that record's rules. Age adjustments, equipment and event categories can also differ; use the record's details when comparing them.

Which records are used?

WRs use World Aquatics freestyle records in the pool length shown beside the table. Age rows use published masters records and record holders with a confirmed age. NRs are USMS 5K/10K postal national records in 50m pools; they are masters national records.