What are the program components in figure skating?
B · Beginner · Competition and scoring · 3 of 4Judges mark the whole performance on three components: composition, presentation and skating skills. Each is marked from 0.25 to 10 in steps of 0.25. The highest and lowest marks are dropped, the rest averaged and multiplied by a factor set by the ISU. The factored marks add up to the program components score.
How it works
- Composition: how movements are arranged into a whole, using space, pattern and musical structure.
- Presentation: engagement, expression and musical sensitivity.
- Skating skills: edges, steps, turns, balance, glide, flow, power and speed.
- Scale: 0.25 to 10, in 0.25 steps.
- Bands: 5 to 5.75 is average, 8 to 8.75 very good, 10 outstanding.
- Panel mark: trimmed mean, rounded to two decimals.
- Factor: published by the ISU for each segment.
- Pairs and dance: both skaters must show the criteria equally.
The glossary has the program components, the composition, the presentation, the skating skills, the program components score and the unison.
Tricky cases
How many components are there?
Three. Earlier systems had five; the 2026 rules list composition, presentation and skating skills.
Are components marked during the program?
They are marked after the program is completed.
Can a component be marked zero?
No. The scale starts at 0.25; anything under 1 means extremely poor.
Which component covers unison in pairs?
Skating skills, with oneness and awareness of space under presentation.
Why the rule exists
Elements alone would reward a string of tricks. The components credit the skating between them and the program as a performance.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | Three components | ISU 504 (3) |
| Pairs and ice dance | Unison and oneness added to the criteria | ISU 504 (3)(a) |
| Pattern dances | Components marked per dance | ISU 708 |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance (as of 12 June 2026), rules 353 (1)(j) to (m) and 504 (3). Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's ISU Communications.