Scoring

How IDPA Targets Are Scored

Accuracy matters—and every second counts.

In the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), scoring is based on time plus penalties. The goal is to complete each stage as quickly and accurately as possible, simulating real-world defensive shooting.

Target Zones

IDPA cardboard targets (commonly shaped like a torso) have three scoring zones:

• Down 0 – Center hit on 4" center head or 8" center mass: no penalty

• Down 1 – First level outside of the down zero adds +1 second

• Down 3 – Peripheral hit: +3 seconds

• Miss (off target) – +5 seconds

Steel targets must fall to score and count as Down 0 if hit.

Penalties

Additional time penalties are added for rule violations, including:

• Procedural Error (e.g., shooting targets out of order): +3 seconds

• Failure to Neutralize (no hit in Down 0 or 1 zone): +5 seconds

• Hit on Non-Threat (white hand target): +5 seconds

• Foot fault or cover violation: +3 seconds
  
  

Final Score = Time + Penalties

Your raw time to complete the stage, plus any point-down penalties and procedural errors, equals your total score for that stage. The lowest overall time wins.

Accuracy first, speed second—that’s the IDPA way.

USPSA Target Scoring 

In USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) matches, targets are scored based on accuracy and speed. The standard USPSA cardboard target is divided into scoring zones:

• Alpha (A) Zone – Center of mass and head: 5 points
  
  

• Charlie (C) Zone – Mid-value area: 4 points (minor), 3 points (major)
  
  

• Delta (D) Zone – Outer edge: 2 points (minor), 1 point (major)
  
  

Scoring is influenced by power factor:

• Major power factor rewards higher points for less accurate hits.
  
  

• Minor power factor requires more accurate shooting for a competitive score.
  
  

Each paper target usually requires 2 hits, and metal targets (like poppers) must fall to score. Penalties are applied for misses, no-shoots, and procedural errors.

Final scores combine total points with time, using a hit factor (points ÷ time). The highest hit factor wins the stage.

PCSL Target Scoring

PCSL (Practical Competition Shooting League) uses a simple, time-plus scoring system that emphasizes accuracy and speed. The standard PCSL cardboard target has three zones:

• A Zone (Center mass and head) – 0 seconds added
  
  

• B Zone (outer scoring zone) – +1 second per hit
  
  

• Miss or No Hit on Target – +5 seconds
  
  

Each target typically requires 2 hits, unless otherwise specified in the stage briefing.

Steel targets must be hit once and fall to score. A miss adds +5 seconds per required hit not made.

Scoring = Raw time + penalties, so lower times win. There’s no power factor or major/minor scoring—all competitors are scored equally based on hits and time.