How Raw Scores Are Calculated
Your routine is scored in three main areas: building skills, tumbling, and performance. See how these combine to create your final score.
The Formula
Each area includes multiple categories that judges evaluate separately. All scores are added together, then deductions are subtracted to calculate your final score.
The Three Main Areas
Instead of 14 separate categories, think of your score in three main groups. Each group includes several related skills that judges evaluate.
Building Skills
Stunts, pyramids, and tosses
Tumbling
Standing and running tumbling passes
Performance
Dance, creativity, and showmanship
Step-by-Step Calculation
Follow along with a real example to see how the three main areas combine into a final score.
Step 1: Add Up Your Skills
Step 2: Subtract Deductions
Key Insights
Three Areas, One Score
While judges evaluate 14 individual categories behind the scenes, grouping them into building, tumbling, and performance makes it easier to understand where points come from. Building skills typically account for the most points.
Clean Beats Complex
Many categories split points between difficulty and execution (up to 5 points each). A perfectly executed easier skill often scores higher than a sloppy advanced skill. Execution matters as much as difficulty.
Every Deduction Matters
Even a 0.75-point deduction (one building fall) can drop you from 1st to 4th place in a close competition. Minimizing deductions is just as important as maximizing category scores.
Where to Focus
Building skills are worth about 40 points, tumbling about 35 points, and performance about 15 points. Teams need strong execution across all three areas to be competitive, but building and tumbling carry the most weight.