How DWTS Scoring Works at a Glance
On Dancing with the Stars, each couple receives a score from the judges and a separate set of points from the online vote and phone vote, combined into a total that determines who stays and who goes. This article explains the parts of the scoring system, how judges evaluate performances, and how scores translate into eliminations.
Judge Scoring Basics
Judges award an individual score typically between 0 and 10 for each dance, with deductions for rule violations. These scores are then multiplied to align with the show’s point scale. The combined judge total reflects technique, performance quality, and chemistry, while remaining distinct from viewer votes that are converted into points.
What the Scores Measure
- Technique: execution of steps, timing, and body control.
- Performance: presentation, musicality, and entertainment value.
- Choreography: difficulty, creativity, and suitability to the dancer.
The Point Scale and Conversion
Judges’ numeric scores are converted into a points range used for weekly rankings and eliminations. While the exact multipliers can vary by season and format, the system consistently translates judge marks and audience votes into a single comparable score.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Judge Score Range | 0–10 per judge | Show scoring policy |
| Typical Point Conversion | Scores mapped to a cumulative points total each week | Historical results and official explanations |
| Impact on Eliminations | Lowest combined ranks face off in dance-off; judges’ saves or public vote decide who leaves | Season formats and rules |
Online and Phone Vote Points
Viewer votes are converted into points that are added to the judges’ scores to form each couple’s overall rank for the week. The exact conversion is calibrated so that voting totals align with the judges’ scale, though methods can change across reboots and international versions.
Key Voting Notes
- Votes are typically normalized so that higher vote counts convert into proportionally higher points.
- Different regions and airing windows can affect how votes translate into points.
- Couples cannot be saved by votes in every format; season rules determine vote impact.
Dance-Off and Score Impact
When two or more couples tie for the lowest combined score, they compete in a dance-off. Judges then choose a winner to advance, though producers or public vote outcomes can override this in some iterations. Scores from the dance-off are treated the same as earlier rounds for ranking purposes.