Formula: S(P)=A(P-B)^C or A(B-P)^C (second formula applies for running and other speed events, where low time values score higher).
S=score, P=performance measure (height, distance, etc.), A=scaling factor for graphing purposes, B is threshold below which no score is given, 1<C<2. A, B, C are event parameters determined arbitrarily to produce a meaningful scorecard. C is usually close to 1. For example, threshold B would be set according to a universally agreed value, height of pole vault, length of time to run a distance, length of long jump, etc.