The higher the rate, the better you are.
Ratings are calculated according to some rules you can find in this post: http://www.redhotpawn.com/board/showthread.php?threadid=15287
I have a simple MS Excel worksheet that does this rating calculation, if you wish.
I didn't create the rating calculator, that was gregoftheweb, whose web space is at http://www7.brinkster.com/obyrne
I created the PGN purifier, which lives in the same place, but is now redundant, because Russ has cleaned up RHP's PGN.
I do have a Perl script that can do ratings calculations, including situations where one or both players has a provisional rating. If anyone wants a copy, PM me.