Scoring formats · 3D
IBO 3D: how scoring works
IBO 3D is the scoring system of the International Bowhunting Organization, built around bowhunting shots. You shoot one arrow at each life-size foam animal from an unmarked distance, and score 11, 10, 8 or 5 depending on where it hits. On a 20-target course the maximum is 220.
At a glance
The round in four numbers
- Scoring
- 5 for the body, 8 for the vital area, 10 for the inner circle and 11 for the small ring in the middle of the 10.
- Ties
- Usually broken by the number of 11s.
- 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. There is nothing to call: the 11 always counts.
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
IBO 3D scoring is built into NockPoint. Tap the ring for each target, and the app keeps the running total and your 11s, and builds your personal bests from course to course.
- One tap a target
- 11, 10, 8, 5 or miss, with nothing to add up.
- Your 11s counted
- The 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 and the 11s counted for ties. Total: 96 out of 110.
| Target | Score | Running |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | 10 |
| 2 | 11 | 21 |
| 3 | 10 | 31 |
| 4 | 8 | 39 |
| 5 | 10 | 49 |
| 6 | 11 | 60 |
| 7 | 10 | 70 |
| 8 | 5 | 75 |
| 9 | 10 | 85 |
| 10 | 11 | 96 |
| 11s: 3 | 96 |
Don’t mix them up
IBO or ASA
| IBO 3D | ASA 3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Rings | 11 · 10 · 8 · 5 | 14 · 12 · 10 · 8 · 5 |
| Top score | 11 | 12, or 14 when called |
| Small center ring | One 11 ring in the middle of the 10 | Two 12 rings inside 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 IBO target?
11, for an arrow in the small ring in the middle of the 10.
How are ties broken in IBO?
Usually by the number of 11s. Check the rules for your shoot.
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 IBO different from ASA scoring?
IBO uses 11, 10, 8 and 5, with one 11 ring in the center of the 10. ASA uses 14, 12, 10, 8 and 5, with two 12 rings and an optional 14 that has to be called.
Based on IBO 3D scoring rules, checked October 2026. Archery 360, scoring 3D targets · Also: Lancaster Archery, 3D archery explained
Get the app
Your next 3D course, scored in NockPoint
Free on the App Store and Google Play.