From the FAQ: > How are stories ranked? > The basic algorithm divides points by a power of the time since a story was submitted. Comments in threads are ranke

From the FAQ: > How are stories ranked? > The basic algorithm divides points by a power of the time since a story was submitted. Comments in threads are ranked the same way. > Other factors affecting rank include user flags, anti-abuse software, software which demotes overheated discussions, account or site weighting, and moderator action. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html You're unlikely to get a more detailed answer as it can lead to (more) of the system.