Google rating calculator
How many five-star reviews do you need to reach 4.5 on Google? Enter your rating and review count to see exactly, and how many bad reviews it would take to fall back.
77more five-star reviews to show 4.5
Google rounds to one decimal, so 4.5 shows from an average of 4.45. To truly average 4.5 you would need 96. After 77, you would be at 4.45, with 197 reviews.
Every one-star review sets you back: today, 2 one-star reviews would take you from 4.1 to 4.0.
Reviews needed: worked examples
Five-star reviews needed for Google to show the target rating.
| Rating now | Reviews now | Target | 5-star reviews needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 | 50 | 4.0 | 3 |
| 4.0 | 100 | 4.5 | 82 |
| 4.2 | 250 | 4.5 | 114 |
| 4.3 | 500 | 4.5 | 137 |
| 4.5 | 300 | 4.7 | 129 |
How the calculation works
Your Google rating is the average of every star rating you have received. Adding new five-star reviews pulls that average up, and the more reviews you already have, the more new ones it takes to move it. Google then rounds the average to one decimal place: a true 4.45 shows as 4.5. The calculator finds the smallest number of new five-star reviews that takes your average past the point where Google shows your target.
The fastest honest way to get there
Ask every customer, at the moment they are happiest, and make it a single tap. A review QR on the counter and a short WhatsApp message after the visit do most of the work. Reply to every review, the bad ones calmly and in public, because people read replies before they choose. Never pay for reviews or ask only happy customers: Google removes those reviews and can penalise the profile. Read the full guide on how to get more Google reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How many 5-star reviews do I need to go from 4.0 to 4.5 on Google?
With 100 reviews at 4.0, you need 82 more five-star reviews for Google to show 4.5, and 100 to truly average 4.5. The more reviews you already have, the more it takes, so use the calculator above with your own numbers.
Does Google round my star rating?
Yes. Google shows a business's rating to one decimal place. A true average of 4.45 or higher shows as 4.5, and 4.44 shows as 4.4. That is why reaching a displayed 4.5 takes fewer reviews than reaching an exact 4.5.
How much does one bad review hurt my Google rating?
It depends on how many reviews you have. With 20 reviews, one one-star review can move your rating by a tenth or more; with 500 it barely moves. The calculator shows how many one-star reviews would drop your rating today.
Can I remove a bad review to raise my rating?
Only if it breaks Google's rules, for example spam, a fake review or hate speech, and then you flag it for Google to decide. Otherwise the reliable way up is more genuine reviews from happy customers, and a calm public reply to the bad one.
Is it allowed to offer customers something for a 5-star review?
No. Google prohibits offering money, discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews, and asking only happy customers to review is review gating, which Google also prohibits. Ask every customer, make it easy, and thank people for visiting, never for the review.
Is this Google rating calculator free?
Yes, free and with no sign-up. The calculation runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.