APA Race Calculator: 8-Ball Races and 9-Ball Points
Pick two skill levels and see how many games each player needs in 8-ball, or how many points each needs in 9-ball. Below that, check a team lineup against the 23 rule before you hand in the scoresheet.
This is an unofficial calculator built from the APA's published charts. If it ever disagrees with your scoresheet, the scoresheet wins.
Match calculator
You need 2 games. Your opponent needs 4.
23 rule lineup checker
Enter the skill levels of the players you plan to put up tonight. In Open divisions the five players can't total more than 23, and no more than two can be skill level 6 or higher.
Add your players to check the lineup.
APA 8-ball race chart
Find your skill level on the left and your opponent's along the top. The first number is the games you need; the second is what your opponent needs.
| Your SL | vs 2 | vs 3 | vs 4 | vs 5 | vs 6 | vs 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2-2 | 2-3 | 2-4 | 2-5 | 2-6 | 2-7 |
| 3 | 3-2 | 2-2 | 2-3 | 2-4 | 2-5 | 2-6 |
| 4 | 4-2 | 3-2 | 3-3 | 3-4 | 3-5 | 2-5 |
| 5 | 5-2 | 4-2 | 4-3 | 4-4 | 4-5 | 3-5 |
| 6 | 6-2 | 5-2 | 5-3 | 5-4 | 5-5 | 4-5 |
| 7 | 7-2 | 6-2 | 5-2 | 5-3 | 5-4 | 5-5 |
APA 9-ball points chart
In 9-ball each ball is worth one point and the 9 is worth two, so a rack holds 10 points. The first player to reach their target wins the match.
| 9-ball SL | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points to win | 14 | 19 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 55 | 65 | 75 |
How to read the results
- The gap between the two 8-ball race numbers matches the gap between the skill levels, so an SL6 against an SL4 plays 5 to 3.
- In 9-ball you bank points in racks you lose, so a lower-rated player is never out of a match.
- Break the 23 rule and the team gets no points for the whole team match. A team that can't fit five players under 23 can play four totaling 19 or less and forfeit the fifth match.
- The 3-person format caps the team at 14. Doubles is usually 10, but check your local bylaws.
For how levels are set and why yours moves, read APA skill levels explained. New to league play? Start with how pool leagues work.
Running a practice night or a home league? Print a league night score sheet with every player's race filled in.
LeaguePool is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association. APA and Equalizer are trademarks of their owner. Check your league's scoresheet and bylaws for the final word.