World Athletics Points Calculator
Convert performances to World Athletics points using the official Spiriev scoring tables
Approximate values (±a few points). For official values consult the World Athletics scoring tables PDF.
WA POINTS
For 10.00
How scoring works
Track events (timed)
Points = a × (b − T)² where T is the time in seconds. The shorter the time, the higher the points.
Field events (distance)
Points = a × (M − b)² where M is the distance in metres. The farther/higher the mark, the higher the points.
Gender-specific coefficients
Coefficients a and b differ between men and women to account for physiological differences and ensure equivalent points for performances of similar relative standard.
What are World Athletics points?
The World Athletics (formerly IAAF) scoring system allows performances across different disciplines to be compared on a single scale. A 9.58 s sprint is worth roughly 1358 points — the same as an 8.95 m long jump. This makes it possible to compare a sprinter with a jumper on equal terms.
Important: this calculator uses a quadratic approximation of the official Spiriev tables (2017 edition). Values may differ by ±a few points from the official PDF tables. Always refer to the official World Athletics scoring tables for definitive results.
Frequently asked questions
World Athletics points (also known as IAAF points or the Hungarian scoring tables) allow performances in different disciplines to be compared on a single scale from 0 to 1400. They are used in certain combined-events competitions and as a general benchmark for evaluating an athlete's level regardless of discipline.
Points are calculated using Spiriev's scoring tables published by World Athletics. The quadratic formula is: points = a × (b − T)² for timed events, and points = a × (M − b)² for distance events. The coefficients a and b are specific to each event and gender.
World records are typically worth between 1300 and 1400 points. For example, Usain Bolt's 100m world record (9.58s) is worth approximately 1358 points. The theoretical maximum is capped at 1400 points.
World Athletics points (the Spiriev scoring tables) measure the absolute quality of a single performance in a discipline. The World Rankings, by contrast, are based on competition results (placement, competition level, recency). They are two entirely separate systems.
This calculator uses a quadratic approximation of the Spiriev tables and may differ by ±a few points from official values. For certified values (competition submissions, official records), use the official World Athletics scoring tables PDF.