Scoring formats · 3D
ASA 3D: how scoring works
ASA 3D is the scoring system of the Archery Shooters Association, which runs the largest 3D tour in the United States. You shoot one arrow at each life-size foam animal from an unmarked distance, and score 5, 8, 10, 12 or 14 depending on where it hits. On a 20-target course the maximum is 240, or more when the 14 is in play.
At a glance
The round in four numbers
- Scoring
- 5 for the body, 8 for the vital area, 10 for the inner circle, 12 for the small rings inside the 10, and 14 for the small ring at the top of the 8.
- The upper 12 and the 14Depends on class
- The lower 12 always counts. The upper 12 and the 14 count only in some classes and only when you call them before you shoot. Check the class rules at your shoot.
- Distances
- Unmarked. Each class has its own maximum distance.
- Lines
- An arrow touching a line scores the higher ring.
The target
Where the rings sit
The rings are molded into the animal over the vital area, so their size and position change from target to target. The diagram shows how they sit, not a real target to scale.
A hit anywhere else on the animal scores 5. Missing the animal, or hitting only the horns or hooves, scores zero.
At the target
How to score it
Judge the distance and shoot one arrow.
Distances are unmarked, so reading the yardage is part of the round. If your class allows it and you want the upper 12 or the 14, call it before you shoot.
Walk up and score it together.
The group checks each arrow at the target. Scorekeepers write the score on two cards so they can compare at the end.
Touching a line? Take the higher score.
An arrow touching a scoring line gets the higher ring. Pull your arrow only after everyone agrees on the score.
Score it in NockPoint
Let the app keep the card
ASA 3D scoring is built into NockPoint. Tap the ring for each target, and the app keeps the running total and your 12s, and builds your personal bests from course to course.
- One tap a target
- 14, 12, 10, 8, 5 or miss, with nothing to add up.
- Your 12s counted
- The usual tie-breaker, kept as you go.
- Challenges
- Shoot the same course format as archers anywhere and compare.
Worked example
Ten targets, scored
The first ten targets of a course, one arrow each, with the running total. Ties are often separated by the count of 12s. Total: 99 out of 120.
| Target | Score | Running |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | 12 |
| 2 | 10 | 22 |
| 3 | 10 | 32 |
| 4 | 8 | 40 |
| 5 | 12 | 52 |
| 6 | 10 | 62 |
| 7 | 5 | 67 |
| 8 | 10 | 77 |
| 9 | 12 | 89 |
| 10 | 10 | 99 |
| 12s: 3 | 99 |
Don’t mix them up
ASA or IBO
| ASA 3D | IBO 3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Rings | 14 · 12 · 10 · 8 · 5 | 11 · 10 · 8 · 5 |
| Top score | 12, or 14 when called | 11 |
| Small center ring | Two 12 rings inside the 10 | One 11 ring in the middle of the 10 |
| Arrows per target | 1 | 1 |
The same foam target can be scored either way: an arrow in the IBO 11 scores 10 under ASA rules.
Questions
Common questions
What is the highest score on an ASA target?
14, but only in classes where the 14 is in play and only when you call it before the shot. Otherwise the best score is 12.
Why are there two 12 rings?
Both sit inside the 10. The lower 12 always counts. The upper 12 counts only when you call it, in classes that allow it. An uncalled hit in the upper 12 scores 10.
What scores zero in 3D?
A clean miss, or a hit only on the horns, antlers or hooves. Anywhere else on the animal scores at least 5.
How is ASA different from IBO scoring?
ASA uses 14, 12, 10, 8 and 5, with two 12 rings and an optional 14. IBO uses 11, 10, 8 and 5, with a single 11 ring in the center of the 10.
Based on ASA 3D scoring rules, checked October 2026. Archery 360, scoring 3D targets · Also: Lancaster Archery, 3D archery explained
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