The competition lasts three days. In World Cup competition, men and women skate three distances: 500 m, 1,000 m and 1,500 m. There are also relay races over 3,000 m for women and 5,000 m for men. Instead of racing in pairs, like what is done in speed skating, short track speed skaters start with four to eight skaters on the starting line. Positions are drawn by a lot system and the competition pits skater against skater. Strategies and tactics are very important and races are often won by the smartest rather than the fastest skater. In international competitions, skaters must finish among the top two in their heat, quarter-final and semifinal in order to qualify for the 500 m, 1,000 m and 1,500 m final.

First place receives 1,000 points; second place, 800 points; third place, 640 points; fourth place, 512 points, fifth place, 410 points, sixth place, 328 points, seventh place, 262 points, eighth place, 210 points, ninth place 168 points and tenth place 134 points. Skaters placing 11th to the end of the field of entries will also receive points in decreasing value. During the season, an athlete will skate each individual distance eight times and the six best results are kept to determine the final ranking.