Olympic gymnastics used to operate with a very simple scoring system. It was all about execution, and the entire goal of the gymnast was to make as few mistakes as possible to get a perfect 10.
That scoring system was altered ahead of the 2008 Olympics. Instead of basing the routine entirely on its execution, the degree of difficulty was also taken into account.
That created the mathematical formula used today to determine gymnastics scores in the Olympics.
Essentially, gymnasts now get points not only for how perfect their routines are, but also for how difficult they are. Higher-difficulty routines give athletes a higher scoring floor that allows them to break out some of the world’s most difficult moves to earn some credit with the judges.
Here’s what to know about gymnastics scoring as the sport takes center stage at the Olympics.
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Olympic gymnastics scoring, explained
The scoring in gymnastics is comprised of two elements: difficulty (D) scores and execution (E) scores. Here’s what to know about the two parts of the gymnast’s equation:
E scores
E scores are the traditional scoring with which many gymnastics fans are familiar. They are out of 10 points and are based on the execution and artistry of an athlete’s routine.
All E scores begin at an even 10.0 but drop as deductions are made. These deductions stem from errors made on the apparatus, whether it’s falling, stepping on landings, flexing one’s feet, or anything else.
The deductions typically have standard values assigned to them. That makes it easier for the judges to assess each error.
E scores are calculated by a panel of six judges who assess every element in a gymnast’s routine.
D scores
D scores are based on the difficulty of the routine that the gymnast is performing. Unlike execution scores, the difficulty scores start at zero and increase as the routine plays out.
There is no maximum value for a D score. Often, it will fall between 5.000 and. 7.000 points.
Two judges are charged with evaluating the D scores. To calculate it, they combine the values assigned to the most difficult maneuvers in the routine to get a final difficulty score.
For women, D scores stem from the eight most difficult elements of a routine. Men’s routines are evaluated based on the 10 most difficult elements.
Final gymnastics scoring
The final score of a gymnast on one apparatus is calculated by adding the D score and E score together. Then, any neutral deductions — also known as penalties — are applied to the final number by the head judge to get the score.
An example of a neutral deduction would be the standard subtraction of 0.1 points for stepping out of bounds with one foot during the floor exercises.
So, to recap, this is what the equation for gymnastics scoring should look like:
- Final Score = [D score + E score] – Neutral deductions
That scoring system typically generates a number between 12 and 16 points, barring any major errors or falls during a routine.
That process is repeated on each apparatus on which a gymnast participates. The results in each event are then combined to generate the all-around score for the athlete.
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How does gymnastics team scoring work?
Gymnastics team scoring is fairly simple. D scores and E scores are still used to assess the gymnasts, but there is a bit of extra math to do during the competition.
Each country at the Olympics has five gymnasts on its team. The countries select four of those athletes to compete on each apparatus during qualifying. The top three scores in each discipline are then added together to generate the team score.
In the official team competition, each country can choose only three participants for each apparatus rather than four. All three of the scores count in the team final, which puts extra pressure on the gymnasts to produce their best scores.
Team scores per apparatus tend to range from 40 to 45 points in both the men’s and women’s team competitions. That said, there are instances where teams fall short of the 40-point mark; typically, those involve a gymnast making a major mistake or suffering a fall at an opportune time.
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How many rotations are there in men’s gymnastics?
There are a total of six rotations in men’s gymnastics. That matches the number of events in which each team must compete.
Below is a look at the six events in men’s gymnastics:
- Vault
- Floor exercise
- Horizontal bar
- Parallel bars
- Pommel horse
- Rings
Typically, men’s teams score between 240 and 260 points in team competition at the Olympics.
