How does the figure skating points system work?
In winter sports, scoring points differs by discipline, so in our series 'How Does That Work?', read on to discover how figure skating points are awarded ahead of Milano Cortina 2026.
Figure Skating
The Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, held in Italy between 6 and 22 February, will feature 16 disciplines.
With 116 medal events awaiting athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, do you know how points are awarded for each discipline?
In our series, ‘How Does That Work?’, Olympics.com will guide you through the details of the sports featured at Milano Cortina 2026.
In this article, we take a closer look at how the figure skating scoring system works and the key criteria used to assess a skater’s performance to make it easier for you to follow along as 142 of the world’s best skaters compete for top honours in Italy. Skaters to watch include the likes of USA’s lIia Malinin, the first to successfully land a quadruple axel in competition.
- Register today for the chance to purchase tickets to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina
- Figure skating: How to qualify for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
What are the figure skating events at Milano Cortina 2026?
The figure skating competition at the Milano Cortina Winter Games 2026 will showcase five events, unchanged since the introduction of the team event at Sochi 2014.
- Men’s single skating
- Women’s single skating
- Pair skating
- Ice dance
- Team event
The competition will take place at the Milano Ice Arena from 6 to 21 February 2026.
- Discover the complete figure skating competition schedule at Milano Cortina 2026
- What is the figure skating team event?
How does the figure skating scoring system work?
Skaters earn points based on two main components: the Technical Element Score (TES) and the Program Component Score (PCS), as stated in the ISU Judging System. The Total Segment Score (TSS) is the final score, after deductions for errors, including falls and time violations, are subtracted from the sum of the TES and PCS.
The total score determines the final ranking, and therefore the podium, after each skater competes in two events: the short program and free skating for men’s and women’s singles and pairs, and rhythm dance and free dance for ice dance.
The scores are decided by a panel consisting of two technical specialists and a technical controller, who evaluate the execution level of the technical elements. The quality of execution and artistic elements, meanwhile, are assessed by a panel of nine judges.
Technical Element Score (TES)
When a skater executes an element during a programme, a technical panel analyses each element such as jumps, spins, step sequences and lifts for pairs and ice dance.
Elements have a base value, and the points awarded for the base value vary depending on the level of difficulty. There are four levels. Levels reflect the complexity and quality of execution, such as variations and rotations.
Once the base value is determined, the judges assign a ‘Grade of Execution (GOE)’ ranging from +5 to -5, based on how well each element is executed. The GOE is either added to, or subtracted from, the base value.
For more details about the figure skating rules, please check the ISU Handbooks.
Programme components
Programme components are scored on a scale from 0.25 to 10 across three categories: composition, presentation, and skating skills.
Composition evaluates how the programme is designed or built in relation to the music, considering five criteria: unity; connection between and within elements; pattern and ice coverage; multidimensional movements and use of space; choreography reflecting musical phrase and form.
Presentation assesses how the programme is performed in relation to the music, with a focus on the following: expressiveness and projection; variety and contrast of energy and of movements; musical sensitivity and timing; unison, oneness, and awareness of space (pair skating and ice dance).
Lastly, skating skills assess a skater’s ability to execute a repertoire of steps, turns and skating movements with blade and body control, considering the following criteria: variety of edges, steps, turns, movements and directions; clarity of edges, steps, turns movements and body control; balance and glide; flow; power and speed.