How are ties broken in figure skating?
A · Advanced · Competition and scoring · 1 of 6The skater with the highest final score wins. If final scores tie, the higher score in the last segment skated decides. Within the short program or rhythm dance, the technical elements score breaks a tie; in the free skate, the program components score does. If those also match, the skaters stay tied.
How it works
- Final result: highest final score first.
- Final tie: higher score in the last segment.
- Still tied: the better placing in that segment, then the earlier one.
- Short program tie: higher technical elements score.
- Free skate tie: higher program components score.
- Equal again: tied.
- Eliminated skaters: listed after the finishers, by their last placing.
- Disqualified: lose their placing; those below move up.
The glossary has the final score, the segment score, the technical elements score, the program components score, the free skate and the short program.
Tricky cases
Two skaters tie overall. Who wins?
The one with the higher free skating score.
Two skaters tie in the short program. Who is placed higher?
The one with the higher technical elements score.
Can two skaters share a place?
Yes, if every tie-break is equal.
Are the judges' marks published?
Yes. A printout of each judge's grades and marks is issued, and at ISU events the judges are named.
Why the rule exists
The free skate is the fuller test, so it settles overall ties. Using technical scores for the short program reflects its focus on set elements.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Short program, rhythm dance | Technical score breaks ties | ISU 353 (2)(d) |
| Free skate, free dance | Components break ties | ISU 353 (2)(d) |
| Two pattern dances | No tie-break between them | ISU 353 (3)(b) |
From the rule book
ISU, Sports Rules: Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance (as of 12 June 2026), rule 353 (2) to (4). Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the ISU Sports Rules and the season's ISU Communications.