In elite gymnastics, difficulty is assessed using the Difficulty Score (D-Score) under the FIG Code of Points. Unlike lower-level gymnastics, which operates under a 10.0 scoring system, elite gymnastics uses an open-ended scoring system, meaning the more difficult a routine, the higher its potential score.
The D-score in both men’s and women’s gymnastics is calculated based on three primary components:
- Highest-Valued Elements (Top 10 skills for men, Top 8 skills for women).
- Special Requirements (Mandatory skills that must be included in a routine for full difficulty credit).
- Connection Bonuses (Additional points awarded for successfully linking difficult skills).
Once the D-score is finalized, it is combined with the Execution Score (E-score)—which begins at 10.0 and is reduced for technical and artistic errors—to produce the gymnast’s total score.
Highest-Valued Elements
A gymnastics routine consists of many skills, but not all of them are included in the D-score calculation. Only the most difficult elements performed by the gymnast count towards the D-score.
| Gymnastics Discipline | Number of Skills Counted Toward the D-Score |
|---|
| Men’s Gymnastics (MAG) | 10 highest-difficulty elements |
| Women’s Gymnastics (WAG) | 8 highest-difficulty elements |
Letter-Based Difficulty Values
Each skill is assigned a letter rating (A to J) reflecting its complexity, with each letter corresponding to a specific point value. Higher letters mean higher difficulty.
| Difficulty Rating | Men’s Gymnastics (MAG) Value | Women’s Gymnastics (WAG) Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| B | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| C | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| D | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| E | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| F | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| G | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| H | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| I | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| J | N/A | 1.0 |
What’s the Highest Difficulty Level in Gymnastics?
The highest difficulty level in men’s gymnastics is currently I (0.9 points), while in women’s gymnastics, it is J (1.0 points).
Why the Difference?
- Men’s routines allow more elements (10), so difficulty can accumulate via a greater number of high-value skills instead of relying on just one or two ultra-hard moves.
- Women’s routines count 8 elements, so individual skills can reach J (1.0) to keep the total potential difficulty competitive. Women’s gymnastics also integrates artistry and more complex dance elements, potentially yielding different forms of difficulty.
Special Requirements
Beyond simply performing difficult elements, gymnasts must fulfill certain element group requirements to demonstrate well-rounded skill mastery. Meeting all these requirements adds points (typically up to 2.0) to the D-score; missing any reduces the potential difficulty credit.
Special requirements often include:
- Men’s Artistic: Specific grip types or swing elements on Horizontal Bar; strength holds on Rings; flight elements on Floor or Vault, etc.
- Women’s Artistic: Varied bar transitions on Uneven Bars; different types of leaps and acrobatic skills on Beam or Floor; distinct vault families, etc.
Failing to meet a special requirement generally results in a 0.5 deduction for each missing requirement from the final D-score tally.
Connection Bonuses
Connection bonuses are extra difficulty points awarded for linking multiple high-value skills together in a routine.
For instance, on uneven bars, directly connecting two flight elements (like a release followed immediately by a catch) might yield a bonus of 0.1 or 0.2 points. The exact bonus depends on the difficulty ratings of the connected skills and whether both qualify as “flight” elements.
To earn the bonus, the transition must be performed without any noticeable pause, hesitation, or break in rhythm. If a gymnast stumbles, hesitates, or makes a significant form error during the connection, the bonus may not be awarded. This rule applies across events—on beam, bars, and floor.
Men’s vs. Women’s Examples
Below are simplified examples to illustrate how each discipline might reach a final D-score by combining skill values, special requirements, and connection bonuses.
Men’s Gymnastics (MAG) – Example on High Bar
10 Hardest Elements Counted
| Skill | Rating | Value (pts) |
|---|---|---|
| Endo with 360° turn to el-grip | D | 0.4 |
| Adler half turn | D | 0.4 |
| Giant swing backward with hop 360° (Quast) | C | 0.3 |
| Tkatchev stretched | D | 0.4 |
| Tkatchev | C | 0.3 |
| Tkatchev with 180° turn | D | 0.4 |
| Layout Jaeger with 360° turn (Winkler-Pog.) | F | 0.6 |
| Adler 360° turn to mixed grip | D | 0.4 |
| Yamawaki | D | 0.4 |
| Double twisting double layout dismount (Watanabe) | E | 0.5 |
Elements total = 4.1 points
+ Special Requirements (e.g., variety of grips, flight, etc.) = +1.0
+ Connection Bonuses (linking difficult releases, turning elements) = +1.2
= Final D-score = 6.3 points
Women’s Gymnastics (WAG) – Example on Floor
8 Hardest Elements Counted
| Skill | Rating | Value (pts) |
|---|---|---|
| Biles II (Triple-Double Tucked) | J | 1.0 |
| Moors (Double-Double Layout) | I | 0.9 |
| Silivas (Double-Twisting Double Tuck) | H | 0.8 |
| Dos Santos II (Arabian Double Layout) | G | 0.7 |
| Triple Twist | F | 0.6 |
| Double Arabian | E | 0.5 |
| Leap Combination | C | 0.3 |
| Double Pike | D | 0.4 |
Elements total = 5.2 points
+ Special Requirements (turns, leaps, acro variety, etc.) = +1.0
+ Connection Bonuses (dance + acro, back-to-back tumbling passes) = +0.8
= Final D-score = 7.0 points
Key D-Score Calculation Differences
In summary, the Difficulty Score (D-score) is calculated differently for men’s and women’s gymnastics:
| Factor | Men’s Gymnastics (MAG) | Women’s Gymnastics (WAG) |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Counted | 10 highest difficulty skills | 8 highest difficulty skills |
| Special Requirements | 5 per routine (-0.5 deduction per missing requirement) | 4 per routine (-0.5 deduction per missing requirement) |
| Connection Bonuses | More significant on High Bar, Parallel Bars, Floor | Essential for Beam, Bars, and Floor |
Bottom Line
While both men’s and women’s gymnastics use a D-score system based on skill difficulty, special requirements, and connection bonuses, the details of how many elements count and how high certain skills are valued differ slightly.
- Men can include more total elements (10 vs. 8), and their highest value tops out at I (0.9).
- Women count fewer skills but can have moves rated J (1.0) and also rely heavily on artistry, dance elements, and dynamic connections for bonus.
Either way, the D-score is just one side of the equation; the Execution Score (E-score) can make or break a final total. Gymnasts and coaches therefore strive to balance extraordinary difficulty with meticulous execution for a winning routine.