Since the 2006 shift to the open-ended scoring system, the definition of a “high score” in gymnastics has changed dramatically. No longer aiming for a perfect 10, gymnasts now accumulate points from two separate components: Difficulty (D-score) and Execution (E-score). So what counts as a “high score” under this modern system?
Scoring Basics: D + E – Neutral Deductions
In today’s system, a gymnast’s total score is made up of:
- D-score (Difficulty): Open-ended, based on the value and connection of performed skills.
- E-score (Execution): Starts from 10.000 and deducts for form, balance, technique, and artistry.
- Neutral Deductions: Penalties (e.g., out of bounds, overtime, coach interference).
Final Score = D-score + E-score – Neutral Deductions
A “high score” is therefore the product of both a big D-number and a clean E-number; one without the other rarely wins.
What Counts as a High D-Score?
The D-score reflects how complex and well-structured a routine is. While most elite athletes land in the mid-5s to low-6s for women and mid-6s to low-7s for men, a “high” D-score means pushing the very limits of what’s possible on that apparatus.
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
| Apparatus | Typical Elite D-Score | High D-Score (World-Class) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vault | Fixed (max ~6.4) | 6.4 | Simone Biles – Yurchenko Double Pike (Paris 2024 vault final, D 6.4) |
| Uneven Bars | 5.6–6.2 | 6.5–7.2 | Kaylia Nemour – 7.2 (Paris 2024, UB gold) |
| Balance Beam | 5.4–6.0 | 6.5–6.7 | Simone Biles – 6.7 (2019 US Champs) |
| Floor Exercise | 5.5–6.2 | 6.6–6.9 | Simone Biles – 6.9 (2023 Classic) |
General rule: A D-score of 6.4 or above is considered very high; 6.7+ is exceptional.
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
| Apparatus | Typical Elite D-Score | High D-Score (World-Class) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Exercise | 6.5–7.0 | 7.4+ | Carlos Yulo – 6.7+ (Paris 2024, FX gold) |
| Pommel Horse | 6.2–6.6 | 6.8–7.0+ | Rhys McClenaghan – 6.8 (Paris 2024, PH gold) |
| Still Rings | 6.5–6.9 | 6.9+ | Liu Yang – 6.8+ (Paris 2024, SR gold) |
| Vault (per vault) | Fixed: 5.6–6.0 typical | 6.4+ | Yang Hak-Seon vault – 6.4 |
| Parallel Bars | 6.8–7.2 | 7.4+ | Zou Jingyuan – 7.3+ (Paris 2024, PB gold) |
| High Bar | 7.0–7.2 | 7.5+ | Epke Zonderland – 7.5 (London 2012) |
General rule: A D-score of 7.0+ is elite; 7.5+ is extremely rare and impressive.
What Counts as a High Execution (E) Score?
The E-score starts at 10.000 and drops with every deduction for bent knees, steps, or artistry faults.
- Women: ≥ 9.20 on vault; ≈ 8.5+ on bars and floor; ≈ 8.3+ on beam
- Men: ≥ 9.15 on vault; ≈ 9.1+ on parallel bars; ≈ 9.0+ on rings; ≈ 8.6+ on floor, pommel horse, and high bar
Benchmarks:
- 9.4–10.0: Nearly flawless (rare, usually vault or men’s parallel bars)
- 8.7–9.3: Excellent, medal-contender level
- 8.0–8.6: Solid, but with clear deductions
- <8.0: Major errors or falls
Most elite routines land in the 8.5–9.2 range. Anything above 9.4 is outstanding.
What Final Score Counts as “High”?
When D and E come together, these are the scores that define excellence:
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
| Apparatus | High Score Benchmark | Exceptional Example |
|---|---|---|
| Vault (1 vault) | 15.0+ | McKayla Maroney – 16.233 (London 2012) |
| Uneven Bars | 14.8+ | Nastia Liukin – 16.900 (Beijing 2008) |
| Balance Beam | 14.5+ | Shawn Johnson – 16.225 (Beijing 2008) |
| Floor Exercise | 14.6+ | Simone Biles – 15.966 (Rio 2016) |
| All-Around | 57–59+ (modern) / 60+ (historical) | Biles – 60.965 (2018 Worlds) |
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
| Apparatus | High Score Benchmark | Exceptional Example |
|---|---|---|
| Floor Exercise | 15.5+ | Kenzo Shirai – 16.133 (Rio 2016) |
| Pommel Horse | 15.3+ | Xiao Qin – 16.100 (Beijing 2008) |
| Still Rings | 15.8+ | Chen Yibing – 16.650 (Beijing 2008) |
| Vault (avg. of 2) | 15.8–16.2+ | Marian Drăgulescu – 16.800 (Beijing 2008) |
| Parallel Bars | 15.7+ | Zou Jingyuan – 16.433 (Tokyo 2021) |
| High Bar | 15.7+ | Epke Zonderland – 16.533 (London 2012) |
| All-Around | 85–89+ (modern) / 92+ (historical) | Kōhei Uchimura – 92.690 (London 2012) |
NCAA Women: The Classic 10 Lives On
In U.S. women’s college gymnastics, the 10.0 scoring system is still the standard. Unlike international competition, where scores are open-ended, NCAA routines can earn no higher than a perfect 10. This system is easy to follow and remains a favorite with fans.
In the 2025 season, many perfect 10s were awarded, showing how strong the field has become. Florida’s Trinity Thomas tied the all-time record with 28 career 10s, making her one of the most accomplished college gymnasts ever.
What counts as “high” in NCAA today?
- 9.950–10.000: Elite score range.
- Perfect 10s: Still special, but no longer rare at the top level.
- Routine design: Focused on consistency and clean execution rather than extreme difficulty.
In NCAA gymnastics, a high score is less about big risks and more about sticking landings and showing perfect form.
Other Disciplines
- Rhythmic Gymnastics: Best routines score 38–40 points; ≥36 is usually final-worthy.
- Trampoline: Men’s winners typically score 58–61, women’s 56–59 (Tokyo 2020: Men’s gold 61.715, Women’s gold 56.635).
- Acrobatic Gymnastics: Elite pairs/groups reach 28–30+; ≥29 is podium-level.
- Aerobic Gymnastics: Scores of 22.5+ are strong medal contenders.
- Parkour (FIG): Standout runs usually land a couple points above the field average in speed/freestyle scoring.
Quick Score Guide
| Final Score Range | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Below 12.5 | Weak / below expectations |
| 13.0–13.9 | Respectable, but not medal level |
| 14.0–14.9 | Very good, finals and medal range |
| 15.0–15.9 | Exceptional, world-class |
| 16.0+ | Legendary, rarely achieved |
Final Takeaway
A “high score” in gymnastics today depends on the discipline, but the formula is universal:
- Big difficulty (D-score)
- Precise execution (E-score)
- Smart routine design
In artistic gymnastics, 14s are strong, 15+ elite, and 16+ iconic. In NCAA, the perfect 10 still thrills. Across rhythmic, trampoline, acro, and parkour, high scores always mark performances that rise above the rest.
