Beauty pageant judging criteria
Pageant judges use the criteria set by the event organizer to assess contestants in each round. The categories, weights and role of public votes can differ, so check the rules for the specific contest.
Published and updated October 31, 2026
Browse Ganda contestsWhat can pageant judges score?
Judges assess the categories and qualities named in the event’s published rules. For example, the 2018 Magalleones rules listed talent, festival attire, swimsuit and evening gown in the selection of its final five.
Its rules also named qualities within those rounds, such as execution, creativity, stage presence and poise. These are examples from one event, not requirements for all pageants.
How do weighted rounds work?
A weight specifies how much a round contributes to the total specified by the organizer. In the 2018 Magalleones rules, the final-five selection used these round weights:
| Round | Weight |
|---|---|
| Talent primer | 20% |
| Festival attire | 30% |
| Swimsuit | 25% |
| Evening gown | 25% |
Those weights describe a historical event, not Ganda’s scoring or a recommended formula. Read the current organizer’s rules for its own rounds, tie-breaks and final calculation.
How is public voting different from judging?
Public voting and a panel’s marks are separate measures unless an organizer’s rules say how to combine them. Ganda’s pageant voting guide explains its contest actions; Face-Off picks are separate from contest votes. Read the community rules before taking part.
Frequently asked questions
Are pageant judging criteria the same for every contest?
No. Each organizer sets its own criteria, rounds and weights, so check the rules for the specific event.
What is a pageant score sheet?
A score sheet is a way to record a judge’s marks against the criteria for a round. The organizer’s rules determine how those marks are used.
Do audience votes automatically decide the judged winner?
No. The effect of audience votes depends on the event rules; do not assume they are combined with judges’ scores.
Browse Ganda contests and open a contest to see its details.