Every four years, USA Swimming publishes Single Age motivational time standards (a.k.a, QUAD Standards), which are meant to motivate swimmers to reach the next level.

Swimmers are grouped into nine age groups from 10 to 18.

Each age group has B standards, BB standards, A standards, AA standards, AAA standards and AAAA standards to give swimmers benchmarks for goal-setting and to track improvement.

To convert the AB time standards to percentiles, use the following guidelines: AAAA corresponds to 98%, AAA to 94%, AA to 92%, A to 85%, B to 45%, and BB to 65%. For more detailed information, please refer to this resource: USA Swimming Mo...ards Explained.