How Does Artistic Gymnastics Scoring Work?
A Complete Guide to D-Score, E-Score, Deductions, and the FIG Code of Points for the 2025–2028 Olympic Cycle
Last updated: March 31, 2026
Every artistic gymnastics routine receives two separate scores that are added together. The D-Score (Difficulty Score) has no upper limit and rewards the complexity of skills performed — rated from A (0.1) through J (1.0). The E-Score (Execution Score) starts at 10.0 and is reduced by deductions for errors in form, landings, and artistry. The final score equals D-Score + E-Score − Neutral Deductions. A panel of up to nine judges evaluates each routine under the FIG Code of Points, updated every four years.
What Is the D-Score and How Is It Calculated?
The D-Score (Difficulty Score) measures how challenging a routine's content is. Two judges on the D-Panel independently evaluate each routine and must reach consensus on the final value. Unlike the old 10.0 system, the D-Score has no upper limit — the more difficult the skills, the higher it climbs.
The D-Score is calculated using three components added together: Difficulty Value (DV) of the top-counted elements, Composition Requirements (CR) bonuses, and Connection Value (CV) bonuses for linking specific skills together.
Under the 2025–2028 Code of Points, the top 8 highest-valued elements (including the dismount) count toward the DV in women's artistic gymnastics (WAG). Men's artistic gymnastics (MAG) counts the top 10 elements. This is a reduction from previous cycles — the 2022–2024 Code counted 10 elements for WAG.
Each skill in the FIG Code of Points is assigned a letter grade from A through J, representing its difficulty. An A-rated skill is worth 0.1 points, a B-rated skill 0.2 points, and so on up to a J-rated skill worth 1.0 points. Elite gymnasts typically perform routines loaded with D-rated (0.4) through G-rated (0.7) elements.
| Rating | Value | Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0.1 | Basic | Forward roll, basic handstand |
| B | 0.2 | Beginner | Back handspring, basic cast on bars |
| C | 0.3 | Intermediate | Back tuck, roundoff back layout |
| D | 0.4 | Advanced | Double back tuck, Tkachev on bars |
| E | 0.5 | Elite | Double layout, Amanar vault |
| F | 0.6 | Super Elite | Triple twist, Produnova vault |
| G | 0.7 | World Class | Biles II (floor), Nabieva (bars) |
| H–J | 0.8–1.0 | Exceptional | Named skills by pioneering gymnasts |
How Do Composition Requirements and Connection Value Work?
Beyond raw difficulty, the D-Score includes bonuses for meeting Composition Requirements (CR) and for linking skills together through Connection Value (CV).
Composition Requirements ensure routines contain a balanced mix of skill types. Each apparatus has specific requirements — for example, floor exercise requires acrobatic elements in multiple directions, a dance passage, and specific turning elements. Each fulfilled CR adds 0.5 points to the D-Score. With four CRs per apparatus, gymnasts can earn up to 2.0 bonus points simply by including the required variety.
Connection Value rewards gymnasts who link difficult skills directly together without pauses. Connecting a D-rated skill to another D-rated skill on floor exercise can earn 0.1 to 0.2 bonus points per connection. On balance beam, linking a C-rated acrobatic element to a B-rated acrobatic element earns 0.1 CV. These bonuses incentivize fluid, high-risk combinations rather than isolated skills with rests between them.
The 2025–2028 Code introduced a notable change: a 0.1 bonus for stuck dismounts (no steps or hops on landing) on every apparatus except pommel horse, provided the dismount is rated C or higher. This rewards clean finishes and adds a strategic dimension to dismount selection.
What Is the E-Score and How Are Deductions Applied?
The E-Score (Execution Score) evaluates how well a gymnast performs their routine. Every routine starts with a base score of 10.0 points. Five judges on the E-Panel independently deduct points for every error they observe. The highest and lowest E-scores are dropped, and the remaining three are averaged to produce the final E-Score.
Deductions fall into four size categories. Small errors such as a slightly flexed foot or minor balance check cost 0.1 points. Medium errors like a noticeable leg separation or significant wobble cost 0.3 points. Large errors such as a deep squat on landing or major form break cost 0.5 points. A fall — where the gymnast's hands, knees, or body contact the apparatus or floor unintentionally — costs 1.0 point from the E-Score.
E-Panel judges also evaluate artistry on floor exercise and balance beam. This includes musicality, expression, choreographic creativity, and the quality of dance elements. A technically clean routine that lacks artistry will still receive execution deductions.
Under the 2025–2028 Code, landing deductions are capped at 0.80 per element (excluding falls). Even if a gymnast takes multiple steps and hops on a landing, the maximum deduction for that single landing cannot exceed 0.80 — a change designed to prevent disproportionate punishment for difficult skills with imperfect landings.
| Error | Deduction |
|---|---|
| Small (flexed feet, slight leg separation) | 0.1 |
| Medium (noticeable wobble, bent arms in handstand) | 0.3 |
| Large (deep squat on landing, major form break) | 0.5 |
| Fall (contact with apparatus/floor) | 1.0 |
| Landing deduction cap per element (excl. falls) | 0.8 max |
What Are Neutral Deductions in Gymnastics?
Neutral deductions are penalties applied after the D-Score and E-Score are combined. They address rule violations unrelated to performance quality and are assessed by the head judge or a designated referee.
The most common neutral deduction occurs on floor exercise when a gymnast steps out of bounds. One body part touching outside the boundary line costs 0.1 points; multiple body parts or landing entirely outside costs 0.3 points. Starting a skill from out of bounds means the entire skill receives no difficulty credit.
Time violations are another source of neutral deductions. Women's floor exercise routines must last no longer than 90 seconds, and balance beam routines also have a 90-second limit. Exceeding the time limit by any amount results in a 0.1 neutral deduction. A timing signal warns the gymnast when 10 seconds remain.
Other neutral deductions include attire violations (0.2 per infraction), failure to present to the head judge before beginning a routine (0.3), and using the springboard for an unauthorized apparatus (0.5). These deductions are relatively rare at the elite level but can affect scores in development competitions.
How Many Judges Score Artistic Gymnastics?
At FIG-sanctioned international competitions, a panel of nine judges evaluates each routine. The panel is divided into specialized groups, each responsible for a different aspect of the score.
The D-Panel consists of two judges who evaluate difficulty content. Both judges independently record the elements performed and calculate the D-Score. If their scores disagree, they confer to reach consensus. Coaches may submit a formal inquiry challenging the D-Score if they believe an element was missed or incorrectly credited.
The E-Panel originally consisted of five judges who evaluate execution. Each judge independently starts at 10.0 and applies deductions. The highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the remaining three are averaged. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the FIG expanded the E-Panel to seven judges (replacing the former Reference Panel), with the highest and lowest two scores dropped and the middle three averaged.
Coaches may file an inquiry only on the D-Score, Composition Requirements, Connection Value, or neutral deductions. Execution deductions are subjective and cannot be appealed. The inquiry must be submitted before the end of the current rotation and requires a fee, which is refunded if the inquiry is successful.
How Does Scoring Differ Across Apparatus?
Artistic gymnastics features four apparatus for women (vault, uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise) and six for men (floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar). While the D-Score + E-Score framework applies universally, each apparatus has unique scoring considerations.
Vault is scored differently from all other apparatus. Gymnasts perform a single vault from the FIG's vault table, where each vault has a pre-assigned D-Score. The Yurchenko double pike (performed by Simone Biles) carries a D-Score of 6.400 — the highest in the women's vault table. Judges only evaluate execution, making vault the most objective apparatus.
Balance beam uniquely penalizes pauses. A gymnast who stops moving for more than 2 seconds receives an additional deduction. Falls from beam cost 1.0 from the E-Score plus a potential neutral deduction. Beam routines cannot exceed 90 seconds.
Floor exercise is the only apparatus scored for artistry and musicality (women's only — men's floor has no music). Judges evaluate choreographic creativity, expression, and how well movement matches the music. The 12×12 meter boundary creates frequent out-of-bounds deductions.
Pommel horse (men's) is considered the most technically demanding apparatus for judges to evaluate, with complex circular and scissor movements that must maintain continuous motion. It is the only apparatus where the 2025–2028 stuck dismount bonus does not apply.
Worked Example: How a Women's Floor Exercise Score Is Calculated
Here is a step-by-step score calculation for a women's floor exercise routine at the elite international level.
Step 1 — Difficulty Value (DV): The gymnast performs 10 skills. The top 8 highest-valued are counted:
- Double layout (E = 0.5)
- Double pike (D = 0.4)
- Full-twisting double back (E = 0.5)
- Double tuck (D = 0.4)
- Switch ring leap (D = 0.4)
- Wolf turn double (D = 0.4)
- Front layout to front full (D = 0.4)
- Roundoff + back handspring + double pike — the dismount (D = 0.4)
Total DV = 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.4 = 3.5
Step 2 — Composition Requirements (CR): The routine satisfies all four CRs:
- Acrobatic line with two saltos (0.5)
- Acrobatic element in a second direction (0.5)
- Salto with min. 360° twist (0.5)
- Dance passage with two connected leaps (0.5)
Total CR = 2.0
Step 3 — Connection Value (CV): Two D+D acrobatic connections earn 0.1 each = 0.2
D-Score = 3.5 + 2.0 + 0.2 = 5.7
Step 4 — Execution Score: Five E-Panel judges score: 8.2, 8.4, 8.0, 8.3, 8.5. Drop highest (8.5) and lowest (8.0). Average remaining three: (8.2 + 8.4 + 8.3) / 3 = 8.300
Step 5 — Neutral Deductions: One out-of-bounds (one foot) = −0.1
Final Score = 5.7 + 8.300 − 0.1 = 13.900
(Note: Elite women's floor scores at World Championships and Olympics typically range from 13.0 to 15.0, with scores above 14.5 considered exceptional. Simone Biles has scored above 15.0 on floor exercise, reflecting her extraordinary difficulty content.)
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