How is ski jumping scored?
B · Beginner · The competition · 1 of 4Each jumper speeds down the in-run, takes off and flies down the hill. A jump scores distance points, with 60 for reaching the K point, plus style points from the judges, up to 60. Most competitions have two scored rounds, and the highest total wins. Ski poles and outside help are not allowed.
How it works
- In-run: the jury sets the start gate and so the speed.
- Distance points: 60 at the K point, more or fewer for each metre beyond or short.
- Style points: five judges; the highest and lowest dropped; up to 60.
- Collective score: distance plus style for one jump, never below zero.
- Rounds: two scored rounds, plus an optional trial round.
- Total: the sum of the scored rounds; the highest wins.
- No help: no ski poles or outside assistance.
- Start numbers: worn in every round.
The glossary has the hill, the in-run, the K-point, the distance score, the style score and the collective point score.
Tricky cases
Can a jumper lose points for jumping too far?
Not in distance points, but a jump past the hill size risks a hard landing, and the jury may lower the gate.
Is the trial round compulsory?
No. Whether to take the trial jump is the jumper's choice.
Can a total be negative?
No. A collective score below zero counts as zero.
Who wins if the second round is cancelled?
The first-round scores stand as the final result.
Why the rule exists
Adding style to distance rewards a controlled, safe jump, not only a long one. Fixing the K point at 60 lets one formula work on hills of every size.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Normal and large hills | K point worth 60 | ICR 430, 433.2 |
| Ski flying | K point worth 120 | ICR 454.4.4 |
| Bad weather | First round may be final | ICR 452.2.2 |
From the rule book
FIS, The International Ski Competition Rules (ICR), Book III: Ski Jumping (edition June 2026), articles 422.2, 430, 433 and 452.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council.