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Skateboarding Maths

Maths in skateboarding: scores

Add points and compare leads.

Quick answer

You can add up scores in skateboarding to see who is winning, and compare numbers to find the highest score.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add up skateboarding scores and compare numbers to find the winner. Success signs:
  • You can add two or more numbers together
  • You can tell which number is bigger or smaller
  • You can find the total points for a skateboarder
  • You can decide who wins a skateboarding competition

Why this matters

Skateboarding competitions use maths to decide who wins. Every trick a skateboarder does earns points. You need to add those points together to know who is winning. If you understand how to add and compare numbers, you can follow along with any skateboarding competition and know who is ahead. In real life, you use maths every day when you count your pocket money, add up your scores in a game, or work out who has more toys. Understanding how to add and compare numbers helps you make smart choices.

How it works

Let's imagine you are watching a skateboarding competition. Each skateboarder tries to do tricks. Each trick is worth some points. Then, you add up all the points for each skateboarder. You compare the totals to see who wins. First, you count the points for each trick. Then, you add them all up. Finally, you compare the totals to see who has the most points. Here’s how to do it step by step:
  1. Look at each trick and its point value
  2. Add the points together for one skateboarder
  3. Compare the totals to see who has more points

Examples you can see

Let’s say there are two skateboarders: Alex and Bella. Alex does these tricks:
  • 10 points for a kickflip
  • 15 points for a 360
  • 5 points for a manual
To find Alex’s total points: 10 + 15 + 5 = 30 points Bella does these tricks:
  • 12 points for a kickflip
  • 10 points for a 360
  • 8 points for a manual
To find Bella’s total points: 12 + 10 + 8 = 30 points Alex and Bella both have 30 points. It's a tie! Let’s try another example. If Alex had 30 points and Bella had 25 points, then Alex wins because 30 is more than 25.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a judge at a skateboarding competition. You need to score three skateboarders: Sam, Mia, and Noah. Sam’s tricks:
  • 10 points for a kickflip
  • 15 points for a 360
  • 5 points for a manual
Mia’s tricks:
  • 12 points for a kickflip
  • 10 points for a 360
  • 8 points for a manual
Noah’s tricks:
  • 8 points for a kickflip
  • 12 points for a 360
  • 10 points for a manual
Your job is to:
  1. Add up Sam’s points
  2. Add up Mia’s points
  3. Add up Noah’s points
  4. Decide who wins
  1. Sam’s total: 10 + 15 + 5 = 30 points
  2. Mia’s total: 12 + 10 + 8 = 30 points
  3. Noah’s total: 8 + 12 + 10 = 30 points
  4. All three skateboarders have 30 points, so it’s a tie!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Adding the numbers wrong, like 10 + 15 = 20 instead of 25.
    Why it happens: Not counting carefully or not knowing number bonds.
    Fix: Use your fingers or draw dots to help count.
  • Mistake: Thinking the bigger number is always the winner.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that the total score matters, not just one trick.
    Fix: Add all the points together, then compare the totals.
  • Mistake: Mixing up who has more points.
    Why it happens: Confusing the symbols < and >.
    Fix: Remember: > means "greater than", and < means "less than".

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Playing a pretend skateboarding game at home, using points and adding them up
  • Using real scores from a video or website to add and compare
  • Practising with simple addition and comparison at the dinner table
  • Encouraging children to explain how they found the answer
  • Using physical objects like counters or blocks to help with adding
A few minutes of practice every day helps children get better at adding and comparing. You can say things like:
  • "Let's add up how many points you scored in your game today"
  • "Who has more points, you or your friend?"
  • "Can you show me how you counted your points?"
Remember, it's okay if children make mistakes. They are learning and growing!

Practice questions

  1. Emma does 5 points for a kickflip, 10 points for a 360, and 7 points for a manual. What is her total score?
  2. Lucas scores 8 points for a kickflip, 12 points for a 360, and 5 points for a manual. What is his total score?
  3. Who has the higher score, Emma or Lucas?
  4. Oliver scores 10 points for a kickflip, 15 points for a 360, and 10 points for a manual. What is his total score?
  5. Who wins if Emma has 22 points, Lucas has 25 points, and Oliver has 35 points?
Answers:
  1. 5 + 10 + 7 = 22 points
  2. 8 + 12 + 5 = 25 points
  3. Lucas has the higher score
  4. 10 + 15 + 10 = 35 points
  5. Oliver wins with 35 points

FAQ

What is a skateboarding score?

A skateboarding score is the total points a skateboarder gets for all the tricks they do in a competition.

How do you add up skateboarding scores?

You add up the points for each trick a skateboarder does to find their total score.

Can two skateboarders tie?

Yes, if both skateboarders have the same total points, they tie.

Why do skateboarders get points for tricks?

Points help decide who wins a competition. The more tricks you do and the better they are, the more points you get.

What does "greater than" mean in skateboarding?

It means one skateboarder has more points than another. For example, if Alex has 30 points and Bella has 25 points, Alex has more points, so 30 > 25.