If you’ve ever watched a gymnastics competition, you know the scores can feel like mystery numbers flashing on a board. The truth is, judges follow a set system that breaks down each routine into two main parts: difficulty and execution. Knowing how these pieces fit together lets you plan smarter routines and avoid surprise deductions.
World gymnastics rules are written in the FIG (Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) Code of Points. It’s basically a rulebook that lists every element you can perform, assigns each a difficulty value, and explains how judges should score execution.
The final score is simply D-score plus E-score. So a routine with a difficulty of 6.0 and an execution of 8.7 ends up at 14.7.
Knowing the formula helps, but practical tips can push your numbers higher.
Remember, scoring isn’t about being perfect on every move – it’s about balancing risk and consistency. By understanding the D‑score/E‑score split and tightening up your execution, you’ll see those numbers climb.
Got a specific routine you’re curious about? Drop a comment or send us a video, and we’ll break down where points are gained and lost.
American gymnast Jordan Chiles was stripped of her bronze medal in the women's floor exercise at the Paris Olympics due to a controversial scoring appeal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled the appeal was filed too late. Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu has been awarded the medal. This incident underscores the rigidity of Olympic rules and the emotional struggles of athletes.
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