06 / Put ratings in perspective
Review Rating Target Calculator
A little perspective
on your next star.
Estimate how many new five-star reviews would reach a chosen average. This is a maths scenario, not a review strategy.
Your rating scenario
Ready when you areA target, with the assumptions in view.
Add your numbers or choose “Try an example”.
Ask all customers for honest feedback. Do not offer incentives or ask only happy customers.
See the calculation details
Optional · Free Growth Audit from ApexRockets
An estimate using a rounded published average. New five-star reviews are an assumption, not a promise. How it works.
The method / Questions answered
Averages move slowly for a reason.
An estimate using a rounded published average. New five-star reviews are an assumption, not a promise.
How is the estimate calculated?
For a target above the current average and below 5, new reviews = current review count × (target − current average) ÷ (5 − target), rounded up. Every new review is assumed to be 5 stars for this calculation only.
What does an example look like?
Fictional example: 100 reviews averaging 4.2 need an estimated 60 new five-star reviews to reach a 4.5 average. Real incoming ratings can be lower, so this is not a forecast.
Why is this only an estimate?
Published averages are often rounded. Treating the displayed number as exact can change the estimate. Platforms may also display ratings differently. The tool does not predict how or when a platform will show a target rating.
Can an average below 5 reach exactly 5?
No finite number of new five-star reviews can bring an exact average below 5 up to exactly 5. If your target is already met, the answer is zero. With no reviews yet, this scenario starts with one five-star review.
How should I ask for reviews?
Invite all customers to share honest feedback. Do not offer incentives, filter out unhappy customers or ask for only five-star reviews. A rating target is not a reason to pressure a customer.
See Google’s guidance on asking for reviews, including its rule against incentives in exchange for reviews.
Optional next step / Free Growth Audit
Start with the customer experience.
We can review your customer follow-up and review invitations, so every customer has a clear way to share honest feedback or get in touch.
- Neutral invitations for honest customer reviews
- Consistent follow-up after a finished job
- A clear way for customers to contact you
Your calculator inputs are not included in the request. Explore our follow-up services.