About & methodology
How Achtbaan is built, where the numbers come from, and exactly how the thrill score works.
Achtbaan (Dutch for “roller coaster”) is an independent discovery and ranking site. It exists to answer a simple question that coaster fans argue about endlessly: which ride is the most thrilling? Instead of opinion, Achtbaan uses real, published statistics and one transparent formula so you can rank and compare rides head-to-head.
The coasters
Every entry is a real-world roller coaster. For each one we record its actual:
- Height (metres), top speed (km/h) and track length (metres)
- Inversions (loops, rolls and other upside-down elements)
- Opening year, park, country and manufacturer
The catalogue now covers 103 of the world's most notable coasters across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, including Dutch favourites at Walibi Holland, Toverland and the Efteling. It launched with 36 and has grown since; if a ride you love is missing, tell us.
The thrill score
The thrill score turns those raw stats into a single 0 to 100 number. Each statistic is normalised against a reference maximum, weighted, and summed:
- Top speed: 40% (reference 240 km/h, the fastest coaster on Earth)
- Height: 28% (reference 140 m)
- Inversions: 18% (reference 14, the world record)
- Length: 14% (reference 2,500 m)
In short: thrill = 0.40·(speed/240) + 0.28·(height/140) + 0.18·(inversions/14) + 0.14·(length/2500), with each term capped at 100% and the result scaled to 0 to 100. It deliberately rewards the headline thrill factors, raw speed and height, while still giving credit to long, inversion-packed layouts. It is one defensible measure, not the only one, which is exactly why every underlying stat is shown on each card so you can judge for yourself.
How to use Achtbaan
- Search by coaster name, park, country or manufacturer.
- Filter by type (steel, wood or hybrid) and by country.
- Sort by thrill score, top speed, height, length, or how new the coaster is.
- Compare: tick any two or more coasters and Achtbaan builds a side-by-side table, marking which ride wins each stat.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the coaster data come from?
Every entry is a real-world roller coaster with its actual published statistics: height, top speed, length, inversions, opening year and manufacturer. Nothing is invented or mocked up.
How is the thrill score calculated?
Speed, height, inversions and length are each normalised against a reference maximum, weighted (40 / 28 / 18 / 14 percent) and summed to a 0 to 100 score, as described above.
Why isn't my favourite coaster listed?
Achtbaan launches with a curated set and grows over time. Suggest a ride via the contact page and we may add it.
Is Achtbaan affiliated with the parks?
No. Achtbaan is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any park or manufacturer.