Short program: precision and constraints
The short program lasts about 2:40 (±10s) for seniors. It contains a fixed number of elements precisely defined by the ISU each season.
Senior singles short program includes: a double or triple Axel, a combination jump, a solo jump, three spins (combination spin, one-foot change spin, flying spin), and a step sequence. Not one extra element allowed.
Why the constraints?
The short program is meant to compare skaters on the same baseline. It's a precision test: every missed or out-of-spec element triggers a penalty.
Free skate: creativity and endurance
The free skate lasts 4:00 (±10s) for seniors, 3:30 for juniors. The skater has more freedom: chooses element order, can include up to 7 jumps in senior singles, 3 spins, full choreography and a step sequence.
The free skate is where big score differences happen: a clean quad in the second half scores 13+ points on its own.
How the final ranking is computed
Intermediate ranking after the short program lists skaters by descending score. The free skate is then performed in reverse order of the short (lowest ranked first, leader last).
Final score = short + free. Highest total wins. The short program typically represents about one-third of the total.
Differences by discipline
Short + free applies to men's, women's and pairs. In ice dance the segments are called « rhythm dance » (similar to short) and « free dance » (similar to free), with different constraints (imposed rhythm, codified step sequences, synchronized twizzles).