The World Skate Artistic Ranking is the objective merit-based method used by World Skate for Freeskating & Pairs, Dance, as well as Precision, Quartets and Show. Only eligible skaters/teams will be considered in the Season's World Ranking.

Skaters/teams receive points based on their final placement at an event and the event's weight over the current season. The World Ranking is updated after each eligible events. At the end of the current season, the points from the earliest season are deleted, only the points of the World Championships are kept. If pairs and dance couples officially split up, their partnership will be removed from the Ranking. When a skater officially announces his or her retirement from competition, the standing and rank of the skater will be removed.

The World Skate Ranking do not necessarily reflect the capabilities of some skaters/teams. Due to limits on entries to events (no more than three from each country), and varying numbers of high-level skaters/teams in each country, skaters/teams from some countries may find it more difficult to qualify to compete at major events. Thus, a skater/team with a lower season's best but from a country with few high-level skaters/teams may qualify to a major event while a skater/team with a much higher season's best but from a country with more than three high-level skaters/teams may not be sent. As a result, it is possible for a skater/team who regularly scores higher to end up with a much lower world standing.

The World Skate Ranking, is based on the results of the current ongoing season only. It has the main purpose to reflect the current competitive performances of the skaters and give the public and the media an indication of the current actual competitiveness of the skaters.

A ranking system in sports is important for several reasons:

1. Performance Evaluation: Rankings provide a clear and objective measure of an athlete's or team's performance over time. This helps in assessing who is currently excelling in the sport.

2. Fair Competition: A ranking system ensures that competitions are structured fairly. It helps to match opponents of similar skill levels, which enhances the quality of competition and makes events more exciting for spectators.

3. Qualification for Events: Many sports use ranking systems to determine eligibility for tournaments and events, such as the Olympics or world championships. This ensures that the best athletes are competing against one another.

4. Motivation: Rankings can serve as a source of motivation for athletes. The desire to improve one’s rank can drive athletes to train harder and perform better.

5. Fan Engagement: Rankings generate interest and engagement among fans, as they provide a storyline for rivalries and competitions. Fans often follow rankings closely, leading to increased viewership and support for the sport.

6. Sponsorship and Funding: Higher-ranked athletes and teams often attract more attention from sponsors and investors. A ranking system can therefore influence financial support and investment in the sport.

7. Historical Context: Rankings help to create a historical record of performance in a sport, allowing for comparisons across different eras. This can enhance the legacy of athletes and teams.

8. Development of the Sport: Rankings can help identify emerging talent and trends within the sport, guiding development programs and resources to nurture young athletes.

Overall, a ranking system adds structure and recognition to sports, benefiting athletes, organizers, and fans alike.