Tricks Calculator
Quantify the difficulty of any action sports trick
Calculate Your Trick’s Score
Enter the total degrees of body/board rotation (e.g., 180, 360, 540).
Select the type of flip involved in the trick.
Select the obstacle the trick is performed on.
Select the stance you are in when performing the trick.
Results
Formula: (Base Score + Rotation Bonus) × Flip Multiplier × Obstacle Multiplier × Stance Multiplier
Score vs. Rotation Comparison
| Factor | Option | Multiplier/Value |
|---|---|---|
| Stance | Normal | 1.0x |
| Fakie | 1.3x | |
| Nollie | 1.8x | |
| Switch | 2.1x | |
| Flip Type | None | 1.0x |
| Kickflip / Heelflip | 1.5x | |
| Shove-it | 1.8x | |
| Varial Flip / Heel | 2.2x | |
| 360 Flip / Laser | 2.8x | |
| Hardflip / Inward | 3.5x | |
| Obstacle | Flatground | 1.0x |
| Manual Pad | 1.4x | |
| Ledge / Rail | 1.9x | |
| Stair Set | 2.5x | |
| Handrail | 3.2x | |
| Mega Ramp | 4.0x |
The Ultimate Guide to the Tricks Calculator
What is a tricks calculator?
A tricks calculator is a specialized tool designed for action sports enthusiasts to objectively quantify the difficulty of a specific trick. Whether you are a skateboarder, BMX rider, or scooter rider, this calculator provides a numerical score based on key components that define a trick’s complexity. Users input variables such as rotation, flip type, stance, and the obstacle involved, and the tricks calculator processes this information using a weighted formula to generate a score. This allows for a standardized comparison between different tricks, helping riders gauge progress, settle debates, or even structure competitions. It moves beyond subjective opinion to provide a data-driven measure of technical difficulty. This advanced tricks calculator is perfect for both amateurs looking to understand trick mechanics and professionals aiming to innovate.
Tricks Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of our tricks calculator is a multiplicative formula that combines a base score with several difficulty multipliers. The formula is designed to reflect how different elements synergize to exponentially increase a trick’s complexity. The calculation is as follows:
Trick Score = (Base Score + Rotation Bonus) × Flip Multiplier × Obstacle Multiplier × Stance Multiplier
The calculation starts with a ‘Base Score’ (a constant, e.g., 10 points, for landing any trick) and adds a ‘Rotation Bonus’ that increases with every 90 degrees of spin. This sum is then multiplied by a series of coefficients representing the flip, the obstacle, and the rider’s stance. This multiplicative approach in the tricks calculator ensures that performing a complex flip in a difficult stance on a large obstacle results in a significantly higher score than the sum of its parts. For more information on trick difficulty, check out our guide on skate stances.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | The foundational points for any landed trick. | Points | 10 (Constant) |
| Rotation Bonus | Additional points for every 90 degrees of rotation. | Points | 0 – 100+ |
| Flip Multiplier | Coefficient for the complexity of the board/deck flip. | Multiplier (x) | 1.0x – 3.5x+ |
| Obstacle Multiplier | Coefficient for the difficulty of the terrain/obstacle. | Multiplier (x) | 1.0x – 4.0x+ |
| Stance Multiplier | Coefficient for the non-dominant stance used. | Multiplier (x) | 1.0x – 2.1x+ |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Switch 360 Flip Down a Stair Set
A pro skater wants to score a technically demanding trick. They use the tricks calculator with the following inputs:
- Rotation: 360 degrees
- Flip Type: 360 Flip (Multiplier: 2.8x)
- Obstacle Type: Stair Set (Multiplier: 2.5x)
- Stance: Switch (Multiplier: 2.1x)
The tricks calculator computes the score: (10 + 40) × 2.8 × 2.5 × 2.1 = 735 points. This high score reflects an elite-level trick combining all four major difficulty components.
Example 2: Beginner Kickflip on Flatground
A new skater is learning their first flip trick and uses the tricks calculator to benchmark it:
- Rotation: 0 degrees
- Flip Type: Kickflip (Multiplier: 1.5x)
- Obstacle Type: Flatground (Multiplier: 1.0x)
- Stance: Normal (Multiplier: 1.0x)
The tricks calculator computes the score: (10 + 0) × 1.5 × 1.0 × 1.0 = 15 points. This provides a solid baseline score for a fundamental trick. To improve your flatground, see our kickflip guide.
How to Use This Tricks Calculator
Using this tricks calculator is a straightforward process designed for quick and easy analysis. Follow these steps to get your score:
- Enter Rotation: Input the total degrees of spin for the trick in the “Rotation” field. For example, a full 360 spin is 360.
- Select Flip Component: Choose the flip that best describes your trick from the dropdown menu. Options range from no flip to complex variations like Hardflips.
- Choose Obstacle Type: Select the terrain where the trick was performed. The options scale from simple flatground to difficult handrails.
- Select Your Stance: Pick your stance from the list. Switch and Nollie stances will yield a higher score in the tricks calculator due to their increased difficulty.
- Review Your Results: The calculator will instantly update your “Total Trick Score” and show the intermediate values, giving you a complete breakdown. Our Ollie Height Calculator is another great tool for measuring progress.
Key Factors That Affect Tricks Calculator Results
The score from a tricks calculator is influenced by several interconnected factors. Understanding them is key to mastering trick execution.
- Rotation: The more you spin, the higher the score. A 540 is significantly harder than a 180 due to the required airtime, control, and spotting the landing.
- Flip Complexity: The physics of flipping the board matters. A 360 flip, which combines a board rotation and a kickflip, is much more complex than a simple kickflip, a factor the tricks calculator weights heavily.
- Stance Difficulty: Performing tricks in a non-dominant stance (Fakie, Nollie, and especially Switch) requires rewiring muscle memory, making them inherently more difficult.
- Obstacle Consequence: Tricks performed on obstacles like handrails or large stair sets carry a higher risk and require more precision than those on flatground. A good tricks calculator must account for this risk factor. Looking for new spots? Try our skate park finder.
- Combination Tricks: While not a direct input, the formula’s multiplicative nature means that combining difficult elements (e.g., a Switch 360 Flip on a rail) results in an exponentially higher score.
- Consistency and Style: Although not quantifiable by this tricks calculator, consistency (landing a trick repeatedly) and style (how smoothly a trick is performed) are crucial components of a skater’s overall skill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How is the ‘Trick Score’ calculated?
The score is determined by a formula that multiplies a base score (factoring in rotation) by multipliers for flip type, obstacle, and stance. This model ensures that complex combinations receive exponentially higher scores.
2. Why is ‘Switch’ stance worth more points?
Switch is the most difficult stance because it’s like performing a trick with your non-dominant hand. It requires complete ambidexterity and coordination, which is why our tricks calculator gives it the highest multiplier.
3. Does this calculator work for sports other than skateboarding?
Yes! The principles of rotation, flips, obstacles, and stance are common across many action sports. This tricks calculator is also an effective BMX trick calculator, scooter trick calculator, or even a snowboard trick score tool.
4. What does ‘N/A’ or ‘…’ mean in the results?
If you see an invalid result, it likely means an input is missing or invalid (e.g., a negative number in the rotation field). Please ensure all fields are filled with valid data to get a proper score from the tricks calculator.
5. Can I compare scores from this calculator with contest scores?
This tricks calculator provides a standardized measure of technical difficulty, which is only one component of contest scoring. Official judges also consider style, consistency, speed, and creativity, which are not measured here.
6. How often are the multiplier values updated?
We periodically review the multipliers based on feedback from professional athletes and the evolution of action sports to ensure our tricks calculator remains accurate and relevant.
7. Is there a way to account for grinds and slides?
Currently, grinds and slides are grouped under the “Ledge / Low Rail” and “Handrail / Hubba” obstacle types. Future versions of the tricks calculator may include more specific inputs for different grind variations.
8. What is a good score for a beginner?
A score between 10-30 on the tricks calculator is a great starting point, typically representing a basic trick on flatground. For instance, a kickflip scores 15 points. Anything above 200 is considered advanced, and scores over 500 are pro-level.