What do the classes mean in para table tennis?
B · Beginner · Classes · 2 of 2There are eleven classes. Classes 1 to 5 play seated, class 1 most impaired; classes 6 to 10 play standing, class 6 most impaired; class 11 is for intellectual impairment. A higher number means more function. Because table tennis uses the body unevenly, classifiers treat the playing arm, the other arm, the legs and the trunk differently.
How it works
- 1 to 5: seated.
- 6 to 10: standing.
- 11: intellectual impairment.
- Higher number: more function.
- Class 1: most impaired seated.
- Class 6: most impaired standing.
- Class 10: least impaired standing.
- Arms: playing and non-playing arm judged apart.
The glossary has the sport classes 1 to 11, the sitting classes 1 to 5, the classes 6 and 7, the class 10, the class 11 and the playing arm and non-playing arm.
Tricky cases
Is class 5 more impaired than class 6?
Not directly. Class 5 is seated and class 6 standing.
Can a standing player choose a seated class?
Only if they meet the sitting criteria.
Does a weak non-playing arm count?
Yes, mainly for its effect on balance.
Where does short stature start?
In class 10.
Why the rule exists
The racket arm matters most, so an impairment there lowers the class more than one in the other arm.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seated | Classes 1 to 5 | CR A1 3 |
| Standing | Classes 6 to 10 | CR A1 3 |
| Intellectual | Class 11 | CR A2 1 |
From the rule book
ITTF, Classification Rules for Para Table Tennis (January 2018), Appendix One section 3 and Appendix Two section 1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: ITTF Statutes 2026 and Para Table Tennis Classification Rules.