Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Time-Based Results
All biathlon events are determined by total elapsed time, and the competition time always includes any penalties or adjustments (Rule 9.2). Times are recorded to 1/10 of a second (Rule 9.3.2). In Pursuit and Mass Start, the first competitor to cross the finish line wins (Rule 9.2.2.2).
6.2 Individual Event Penalties
In the Individual event, each missed target adds 1 minute (60 seconds) to the athlete's total time (Rule 1.4.10.4, Rule 9.2.1). With 20 possible targets across 4 stages, a perfect shooting score adds 0 penalty minutes, while a worst-case scenario adds 20 minutes. Elite athletes typically miss 0–3 targets.
6.3 Penalty Loop Time Cost
In Sprint, Pursuit, Mass Start, and Relay events, each missed target requires skiing one 150 m penalty loop (Rule 3.3.11, Rule 7.1.5). Elite athletes typically complete the loop in roughly 20–25 seconds, depending on course conditions and fatigue, so misses accumulate rapidly across 2–4 stages per event.
6.4 Relay Scoring
The team's total time is the elapsed time from the start of the first member to the finish of the last member (Rule 9.2.4). All penalty loop time is included. The spare-round system in relay means that misses cost time (hand-loading individual rounds is slower than magazine shooting) but may avoid the even greater cost of a full penalty loop.
6.5 World Cup Points
World Cup points are awarded based on finishing position: 1st = 90 points, 2nd = 75, 3rd = 65, decreasing down to 40th = 1 point (Rule 15.8.2.1). Mass Start and Super Sprint use a separate scale down to 30th place (Rule 15.8.2.1). Points accumulate over the season to determine the World Cup standings, and Nations Cup points are awarded separately (Rule 15.8.2).