This paper presents the effect of scratches on an optical connector interface surface on the insertion loss of optical connectors. We propose a model for calculating the insertion loss of optical connectors. The model is expressed in terms of geometrical parameters of scratches assuming that the transmission coefficient of a light wave on the scratch surfaces is linearly varied as a function of scratch depth. Geometrical parameters of scratches such as location, width, and depth of scratches are measured using 3D optical interferometry surface profiler. We obtain the equation of the transmission coefficient in terms of scratch depth comparing the experimental insertion loss data to the insertion loss data using the model presented in this paper. Using the model and the equation of the transmission coefficient presented in this paper, we present the results of the insertion loss of optical connectors for various geometrical parameters of scratches. Scratches which are located at longer than two times the core radius from the center of the core show negligible effect on the insertion loss of optical connectors.