Measured at widest point between main beams perpendicular to skull.
Main Beams & Tines (Inches)
Measurement
Left Antler
Right Antler
Circumferences (Inches)
Location
Left Antler
Right Antler
Abnormal Points
Points originating from burrs, drop tines, or split tines.
Gross Score:0″
Total Deductions (Asymmetry):0″
Net Typical Score:0″
Note: Net score assumes scoring as a Typical whitetail (deducting abnormal points).
function calculateDeerScore() {
// Helper to safely get float value
function getVal(id) {
var el = document.getElementById(id);
var val = parseFloat(el.value);
if (isNaN(val)) return 0;
return val;
}
// 1. Get Inside Spread
var spread = getVal('inside_spread');
// 2. Get Main Beams
var beam_l = getVal('beam_l');
var beam_r = getVal('beam_r');
// Spread Credit Rule: Inside spread credit cannot exceed length of longer main beam
var longer_beam = Math.max(beam_l, beam_r);
var spread_credit = spread;
if (spread > longer_beam) {
spread_credit = longer_beam;
}
// 3. Get Tines (G)
var g1_l = getVal('g1_l');
var g1_r = getVal('g1_r');
var g2_l = getVal('g2_l');
var g2_r = getVal('g2_r');
var g3_l = getVal('g3_l');
var g3_r = getVal('g3_r');
var g4_l = getVal('g4_l');
var g4_r = getVal('g4_r');
// 4. Get Circumferences (H)
var h1_l = getVal('h1_l');
var h1_r = getVal('h1_r');
var h2_l = getVal('h2_l');
var h2_r = getVal('h2_r');
var h3_l = getVal('h3_l');
var h3_r = getVal('h3_r');
var h4_l = getVal('h4_l');
var h4_r = getVal('h4_r');
// 5. Abnormal Points
var abnormal = getVal('abnormal_points');
// CALCULATIONS
// Sum of Left side measurements
var left_total = beam_l + g1_l + g2_l + g3_l + g4_l + h1_l + h2_l + h3_l + h4_l;
// Sum of Right side measurements
var right_total = beam_r + g1_r + g2_r + g3_r + g4_r + h1_r + h2_r + h3_r + h4_r;
// Gross Score = Spread Credit + Left Total + Right Total + Abnormal Points
var gross_score = spread_credit + left_total + right_total + abnormal;
// Deductions for Symmetry (Typical Score)
// Difference between corresponding measurements
var diff_beam = Math.abs(beam_l – beam_r);
var diff_g1 = Math.abs(g1_l – g1_r);
var diff_g2 = Math.abs(g2_l – g2_r);
var diff_g3 = Math.abs(g3_l – g3_r);
var diff_g4 = Math.abs(g4_l – g4_r);
var diff_h1 = Math.abs(h1_l – h1_r);
var diff_h2 = Math.abs(h2_l – h2_r);
var diff_h3 = Math.abs(h3_l – h3_r);
var diff_h4 = Math.abs(h4_l – h4_r);
var symmetry_deductions = diff_beam + diff_g1 + diff_g2 + diff_g3 + diff_g4 + diff_h1 + diff_h2 + diff_h3 + diff_h4;
// For Typical Net Score, we also deduct the total length of abnormal points
var total_deductions = symmetry_deductions + abnormal;
var net_score = gross_score – total_deductions;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('gross_score_display').innerHTML = gross_score.toFixed(3) + '"';
document.getElementById('deductions_display').innerHTML = '-' + total_deductions.toFixed(3) + '"';
document.getElementById('net_score_display').innerHTML = net_score.toFixed(3) + '"';
document.getElementById('result_container').style.display = 'block';
}
Mastering the Whitetail Score: A Comprehensive Guide
For whitetail deer hunters, "score" is more than just a number—it is a standardized way to describe the size, symmetry, and mass of a buck's antlers. Whether you are following the Boone and Crockett (B&C) club system or the Pope and Young (P&Y) club standards (for archery), the math remains fundamentally the same. This guide and our interactive Whitetail Scoring Calculator will help you determine exactly where your trophy stands.
Gross vs. Net Score: What's the Difference?
When discussing deer scores, you will often hear two terms: Gross and Net.
Gross Score: This is the total volume of bone. It sums up the inside spread, length of main beams, length of all tines, and all circumference measurements. Many hunters prefer the Gross score because it represents the true physical size of the rack.
Net Score (Typical): This is the score used for official record books. It penalizes asymmetry. To calculate the Net score, you take the Gross score and subtract the difference between the left and right measurements (e.g., if the left G2 is 8 inches and the right G2 is 7 inches, you lose 1 inch). You also subtract the total length of any abnormal (non-typical) points.
How to Measure Your Whitetail Deer
To use the calculator above accurately, you will need a 1/4″ wide flexible steel tape measure. Measurements should be taken to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. Here is a breakdown of the required inputs:
1. Inside Spread
Measure the widest point between the main beams. This measurement must be taken perpendicular to the skull. Note: According to official scoring rules, the credit for the inside spread cannot exceed the length of the longer main beam.
2. Main Beams
Measure the length of the main antler beam from the lowest outside edge of the burr (base) to the very tip of the main beam. Follow the center of the antler's outer curve.
3. Tine Lengths (G-Series)
Tines are the vertical points rising from the main beam. They are labeled G1, G2, G3, etc., starting from the base.
G1 (Brow Tine): The first point above the forehead.
G2: The second point, usually the longest.
G3 & G4: Subsequent points. If a point is missing on one side, enter 0.
To measure a tine, mark the base where the point meets the main beam (imagine a line following the top of the main beam) and measure to the tip.
4. Circumferences (H-Series)
Mass measurements are taken at four specific locations on each antler:
H1: Smallest circumference between the burr and the G1 (brow tine).
H2: Smallest circumference between the G1 and G2.
H3: Smallest circumference between the G2 and G3.
H4: Smallest circumference between the G3 and G4. If there is no G4, the measurement is taken halfway between the G3 and the tip of the main beam.
What is a "Good" Score?
Scoring varies heavily by region, but generally speaking:
120-130 inches: A solid, respectable buck in most of North America.
140-150 inches: A "shooter" in almost any territory; typically considered a trophy class animal.
160-170 inches: A rare, world-class whitetail often referred to as a "Booner" (qualifying for Boone and Crockett awards, which typically start at 160″ net for awards and 170″ net for the all-time book).
Use our calculator to see if your harvest makes the cut, but remember: the memory of the hunt is always more valuable than the inches of antler.