PolitiFact Score

PolitiFact scores

These scores are based on the fact-checking work performed by analysts at PolitiFact.com. Statements are analyzed based on whether they are true or not. Once analyzed, they are given one of 6 ratings ranging from "True" to "Pants on Fire." For the purposes of this Wiki, these ratings are put into number form as described below: To calculate the score provided in the Fact Check template the following method is used: For example, let's assume PolitiFact has analyzed 3 statements by John Doe. John Doe, having made 3 statements, has a maximum possible score of 15. The "True" statements receive the highest score of 5; if all 3 of his statements are True then he would receive 15 points. Let's assume 2 of John Doe's statements are "Mostly True." This provides him with 8 points (2 Mostly True statements x 4 points for each Mostly True statement = 8 points).
 * "True" statements given score of 5
 * "Mostly True" statements given score of 4
 * "Half True" statements given score of 3
 * "Barely True" statements given score of 2
 * "False" statements given score of 1
 * "Pants on Fire" statements given score of 0
 * Record the number of statements analyzed by PolitiFact
 * Determine the highest possible score
 * Determine actual score

Let's also assume the third statement was rated as "Pants on Fire." This adds no points (1 Pants on Fire statement x 0 points per Pants on Fire statement = 0 points).

Now we add the points together for a score of 8 (8 Mostly True points + 0 Pants on Fire points = 8 total points). John Doe has 8 points. His maximum possible total is 15, giving him a score of 53% (8 earned points / 15 possible points = 53%).
 * Determine the overall PolitiFact score

This 53% is the score that appears in the Fact Check box and indicates how often, based on PolitiFact analysis, this person or organization tells the truth.