In the coming weeks, we’re updating how average review ratings are calculated on Etsy to provide a more accurate and holistic view of your shop’s performance.
Today, your average rating is based on reviews from the past 12 months, while buyers can see your full review history. This can mean that a buyer sees years of great feedback but an average rating that only captures that last 12 months. By aligning your average rating with your lifetime review count, we’re making it easier for buyers to understand your shop’s track record—and easier for you to feel confident that your rating reflects the full picture of your business.
Your updated average rating will reflect your full review history, while still giving the most weight to how you’re performing today.
What’s changing
With this update:
- Your average rating will be based on your full review history
- Recent reviews will continue to carry the most weight
- Your rating, review text, and total review count will reflect the same lifetime timeframe
This gives buyers a clearer picture of your shop—recognizing both your long-term track record and your current level of service.
How your new rating will be calculated
Even with a lifetime calculation, your current performance remains most relevant.
We’ll calculate your overall rating using a recency-weighted average. That means newer reviews count more, and the impact of each review decreases by half each year—so your score better reflects your current customer experience.
This approach aligns with common ecommerce practices, where average ratings are typically based on lifetime reviews to meet buyer expectations and provide a consistent shopping experience based on lifetime reviews.
What this means for your shop
Because this update includes your full review history, outcomes may vary:
- No change: Some shops will see the same average rating.
- Rating increase: Some shops may see their rating rise, reflecting a strong long-term record.
- Rating decrease: Some shops may see their rating fall as older feedback is incorporated.
- New rating displayed: If you haven’t received a review in the past 12 months and previously didn’t have an average rating, you may now see one based on your full history.
We know reviews are personal, and changes like this can feel significant. This update is designed to provide a more holistic view of a shop’s performance—not to reward or penalize shops. Our goal is to make sure ratings accurately reflect your overall track record while still prioritizing the experience you’re delivering now.
Star Seller eligibility
If you’re a Star Seller, your badge and status are not affected by this change. Star Seller eligibility will continue to be based on the most recent three months of your shop’s performance.
Where you’ll see this update
The updated rating calculation will apply everywhere ratings appear, including: Listings
- Search results
- Shop pages
- Shop Manager
Additional resources for reviews on Etsy:
- Learn more about how reviews work in the Help Center
- See tips for earning five-star reviews in the Seller Handbook
Words by Etsy Staff
