Enter all measurements in inches. Use decimals for fractions (e.g., 4 and 2/8 inches = 4.25).
Left Antler
Points (Tines)
Circumference (Mass)
Right Antler
Points (Tines)
Circumference (Mass)
Abnormal & Deductions
Note: Abnormal points are added to the Gross Score but subtracted for the Net Typical Score.
Gross Score:0″
Side-to-Side Deduction:0″
Abnormal Deduction (Typical):0″
Net Typical Score:0″
Understanding Whitetail Deer Scoring
Scoring a whitetail deer is more than just a bragging right; it is a way to honor the animal and track herd health and management success. The most common scoring system, popularized by the Boone & Crockett (B&C) and Pope & Young (P&Y) clubs, measures the mass, length, and symmetry of the antlers. Whether you are a bowhunter or a rifle hunter, understanding how to calculate your buck's score adds a new dimension to the hunt.
Key Measurements Explained
Our calculator breaks down the scoring process into four main categories:
Inside Spread: This is the distance between the main beams at the widest point. However, the credit for spread can never exceed the length of the longest main beam.
Main Beams: The length of the antler from the burr (base) along the outer curve to the tip.
Tines (G-Points): These are the vertical points rising from the main beam. G1 is the brow tine, G2 is the next point up, and so on. To be counted, a point must be at least one inch long and longer than it is wide at the base.
Circumference (H-Measurements): These measure the mass of the antler. H1 is the smallest circumference between the burr and the G1. H2, H3, and H4 are taken between subsequent points.
Gross vs. Net Score
In the world of deer hunting, you will often hear "Gross" and "Net" scores.
Gross Score: This is the total volume of bone. It sums up the spread, beam lengths, tine lengths, and mass measurements, along with any abnormal points. Many hunters prefer the Gross Score because it reflects the true size of the animal without penalizing it for character or lack of symmetry.
Net Score (Typical): This is the official score for record books for "Typical" whitetails. It takes the Gross Score and subtracts deductions. Deductions come from asymmetry (e.g., if the left G2 is 8 inches and the right G2 is 6 inches, you lose 2 inches) and from any abnormal (non-typical) points.
How to Measure Correctly
Use a flexible steel tape measure (1/4 inch wide is best).
Measure to the nearest 1/8th of an inch.
Convert fractions to decimals for the calculator (e.g., 4/8 = 0.5).
Ensure the tape stays in the center of the antler beam when measuring lengths to avoid inflating the score.
This calculator provides an excellent estimate of your whitetail's score. For an official score to be entered into record books, the antlers must dry for 60 days and be measured by a certified scorer.
function calculateScore() {
// Helper function to safely get float values
function getVal(id) {
var el = document.getElementById(id);
var val = parseFloat(el.value);
return isNaN(val) ? 0 : val;
}
// 1. Spread
var spread = getVal('spread');
// 2. Left Antler Measurements
var l_beam = getVal('l_beam');
var l_g1 = getVal('l_g1');
var l_g2 = getVal('l_g2');
var l_g3 = getVal('l_g3');
var l_g4 = getVal('l_g4');
var l_g5 = getVal('l_g5');
var l_g6 = getVal('l_g6');
var l_g7 = getVal('l_g7');
var l_h1 = getVal('l_h1');
var l_h2 = getVal('l_h2');
var l_h3 = getVal('l_h3');
var l_h4 = getVal('l_h4');
var l_sum = l_beam + l_g1 + l_g2 + l_g3 + l_g4 + l_g5 + l_g6 + l_g7 + l_h1 + l_h2 + l_h3 + l_h4;
// 3. Right Antler Measurements
var r_beam = getVal('r_beam');
var r_g1 = getVal('r_g1');
var r_g2 = getVal('r_g2');
var r_g3 = getVal('r_g3');
var r_g4 = getVal('r_g4');
var r_g5 = getVal('r_g5');
var r_g6 = getVal('r_g6');
var r_g7 = getVal('r_g7');
var r_h1 = getVal('r_h1');
var r_h2 = getVal('r_h2');
var r_h3 = getVal('r_h3');
var r_h4 = getVal('r_h4');
var r_sum = r_beam + r_g1 + r_g2 + r_g3 + r_g4 + r_g5 + r_g6 + r_g7 + r_h1 + r_h2 + r_h3 + r_h4;
// 4. Abnormal Points
var abnormal = getVal('abnormal');
// 5. Calculate Deductions (Symmetry)
// Difference between corresponding measurements
var diff_beam = Math.abs(l_beam – r_beam);
var diff_g1 = Math.abs(l_g1 – r_g1);
var diff_g2 = Math.abs(l_g2 – r_g2);
var diff_g3 = Math.abs(l_g3 – r_g3);
var diff_g4 = Math.abs(l_g4 – r_g4);
var diff_g5 = Math.abs(l_g5 – r_g5);
var diff_g6 = Math.abs(l_g6 – r_g6);
var diff_g7 = Math.abs(l_g7 – r_g7);
var diff_h1 = Math.abs(l_h1 – r_h1);
var diff_h2 = Math.abs(l_h2 – r_h2);
var diff_h3 = Math.abs(l_h3 – r_h3);
var diff_h4 = Math.abs(l_h4 – r_h4);
var total_deductions = diff_beam + diff_g1 + diff_g2 + diff_g3 + diff_g4 + diff_g5 + diff_g6 + diff_g7 + diff_h1 + diff_h2 + diff_h3 + diff_h4;
// 6. Boone and Crockett Spread Credit Rule:
// Spread credit cannot exceed the length of the longer main beam.
var longestBeam = Math.max(l_beam, r_beam);
var allowableSpread = spread;
if (spread > longestBeam && longestBeam > 0) {
allowableSpread = longestBeam;
// Note: We are using entered spread for calculation, but strictly speaking B&C caps it.
// For simplicity in this user tool, we calculate Gross based on allowable spread.
}
// 7. Final Calculations
// Gross Score = Spread + Left Sum + Right Sum + Abnormal
var grossScore = allowableSpread + l_sum + r_sum + abnormal;
// Net Typical Score = Gross Score – Symmetry Deductions – Abnormal Points
// (For typical score, abnormal points are subtracted from the total)
var netTypicalScore = grossScore – total_deductions – abnormal;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('gross-score-display').innerText = grossScore.toFixed(3) + '"'; // 3 decimals for precision (1/8ths)
document.getElementById('symmetry-deduction').innerText = '-' + total_deductions.toFixed(3) + '"';
document.getElementById('abnormal-deduction').innerText = '-' + abnormal.toFixed(3) + '"';
document.getElementById('net-score-display').innerText = netTypicalScore.toFixed(3) + '"';
document.getElementById('result-area').style.display = 'block';
}