Flip Through How Artistic & Rhythmic Gymnastics Differ at the Olympics

How is the scoring different in artistic gymnastics versus rhythmic gymnastics?

Here’s a rundown of the ABCs—or rather the D’s and the E’s—of gymnastics.

In artistic gymnastics, there’s an E score for execution and a D score for difficulty.

“Each execution score starts at 10.0 points,” NBCOlympics.com explains. “The judges on the execution panel deduct points for errors, such as steps on landings, falls, flexed feet, bent knees, etc.”

“The difficulty score starts at zero, and an athlete will earn points for composition requirements, difficulty of the elements and connection value,” the outlet continues. “In women’s gymnastics, each routine receives points for the eight most difficult elements, while in men’s gymnastics, 10 are counted.”

The gymnast or team with the highest combined D and E score wins gold.

Similarly, in rhythmic gymnastics, there’s an E score for execution. The judges note if there were any errors, and the “sum of technical deductions are subtracted from 10 points,” according to the FIG handbook. There’s also a D score for difficulty. The judges look at both difficulty of body movements (like leaps, balances and rotations) and apparatus use (such as how an item was thrown, caught or handled). According to NBCOlympics.com, the highest D score is a 10.

But unlike in artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics also has an A score for artistry. According to NBCOlympics.com, “Examples of elements being evaluated are the connection between music and movement, expressiveness, use of space, contrast in tempo, character, and intensity of the movements, etc.” Again, the FIG handbook states that “the sum of the artistry deductions is subtracted from 10.0 points.”

Whomever has the highest combined E, D and A score wins gold.