How IBJJF points actually work
Most BJJ matches don't end in a submission, which means points decide them. Here's the whole scoring system, including the part about advantages that confuses new competitors.
In short
Takedown, sweep and knee-on-belly score 2; a guard pass scores 3; mount and back control score 4. Hold each position about 3 seconds. Advantages break ties, and a submission ends the match.
The point values
IBJJF scoring rewards positional dominance. The values are fixed:
- 2 points — takedown, sweep, or knee-on-belly
- 3 points — guard pass
- 4 points — mount, or back control with both hooks (or a body triangle) in
A submission ends the match immediately, no matter the score. Points only matter if nobody finishes.
The three-second control rule
You don't score the instant you arrive somewhere — you score when you stabilise the position for roughly three seconds. A mount you're swept out of immediately doesn't count; a mount you control does. This is why "almost" positions earn advantages instead of points.
Advantages and penalties: the tiebreakers
When time runs out and the score is level, the match is decided in order: advantages first (awarded for near-misses — a deep submission attempt, a sweep you couldn't hold), then penalties (for stalling and infractions), then referee decision. Advantages never add to your point total; they're a tiebreaker only. That's how a low-scoring match still gets a clear winner.
Track a live match
If you want to total a match position by position — or settle an argument about who actually won — the IBJJF points calculator tracks points, advantages and penalties for both athletes.
Confirm before you compete
IBJJF rules and division limits are updated periodically and individual events can have exceptions. Always check the current official rule book at ibjjf.com and your event's published rules.
Frequently asked questions
How does IBJJF scoring work?
What are advantages in IBJJF?
What beats points in a BJJ match?
Score a match yourself
The points calculator tracks both athletes, advantages and penalties in real time.
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