This rowing event is a quadruple scull event, meaning that each boat is propelled by four rowers. The "scull" portion means that each rower uses two oars, one on each side of the boat; this contrasts with sweep rowing in which each rower has one oar and rows on only one side. The competition consists of multiple rounds. Finals were held to determine the placing of each boat; these finals were given letters with those nearer to the beginning of the alphabet meaning a better ranking.
During the first round two heats were held. The top boat in each heat advanced to the A final, while all others went to the repechage. A single repechage heat was held, with the top four boats moving on to the A final and the remaining two being sent to the B final.
The second and final round was the Finals. Each final determined a set of rankings. The A final determined the medals, along with the rest of the places through 6th. The B final gave rankings to the two remaining crews, giving them places of 7th and 8th.
China
Ukraine
Canada
Russia
Great Britain
Germany
United States
Australia
