Padel scoring mostly follows tennis: points go 15, 30, 40 and game, sets are usually first to 6 games with a 2-game lead, and some formats use a deciding point at deuce. For a casual game, agree the deuce rule before you start. For a competition, use the organiser's rules.
Last updated: 22 June 2026. Scoring formats can vary by competition, so formal matches should be checked against the current event rules.
Padel scoring in 30 seconds
| Part of the score | What it means |
|---|---|
| Point | The sequence is 15, 30, 40, game. |
| Game | A pair usually needs 4 points and a 2-point lead, unless a deciding-point format is used. |
| Set | A pair usually wins a set by reaching 6 games with a 2-game lead. |
| Tie-break | Often used at 6-6, depending on the match format. |
| Match | Commonly best of 3 sets, but clubs and social sessions may shorten it. |
How points work
Padel uses the familiar tennis-style point names. The first point is 15, the second is 30, the third is 40 and the next point can win the game. If both pairs reach 40, the score is deuce.
The bit that causes confusion is what happens at deuce. There is not one universal answer for every club night, box league and tournament. Check the format before the first serve, because arguing it at 40-40 is a poor use of everyone's evening.
Deuce, advantage and golden point
In traditional advantage scoring, a pair must win 2 points in a row from deuce to win the game. Win the first point and you have advantage. Win the next and you take the game. Lose it and the score returns to deuce.
In golden point scoring, one deciding point is played at deuce. The receiving pair usually chooses which side receives, and whoever wins that rally wins the game. It is quick, tense and slightly brutal if your second serve has gone missing.
What is Star Point?
The International Padel Federation has also introduced the Star Point as an alternative scoring format. It sits between traditional advantage and pure golden point: deuce can continue for a limited number of advantage points, then a final deciding point is played if needed.
That does not mean every local match you play will use Star Point. Treat it as a competition-format detail, not something to assume at your first booking.
How sets work
A standard set is usually won by the first pair to 6 games, provided they lead by 2 games. If the set reaches 6-6, a tie-break is commonly used, but formats can vary. Social sessions may use timed matches, short sets or rotation formats to keep courts moving.
Simple example scoreline
- Pair A wins the first game: 1-0.
- Pair B wins the next 2 games: 1-2.
- The set reaches 5-5: someone still needs a 2-game lead.
- If it reaches 6-6, the format decides whether you play a tie-break.
Beginner scoring mistakes
- Forgetting to agree whether deuce uses advantage, golden point or another format.
- Calling the server's score second rather than first.
- Mixing up games and points.
- Assuming every club session uses full tournament scoring.
- Changing the deuce rule halfway through a close game. Bold, but not ideal.
What should new players do?
Before your first point, ask 3 questions: are we playing advantage or golden point at deuce, what happens at 6-6, and are we playing full sets or a timed format? That is enough to avoid most scoring confusion.
If you are new to the game, keep the kit simple while you learn. Browse padel rackets for control and comfort, and add racket overgrips if grip feel is the issue.
FAQs
Does padel use tennis scoring?
Yes. Padel normally uses the tennis-style sequence of 15, 30, 40 and game.
What happens at deuce in padel?
It depends on the format. Some matches use advantage scoring, some use golden point, and some competitions may use another approved format.
What is golden point in padel?
Golden point is a deciding point at deuce. The pair that wins that single rally wins the game.
How many games are in a padel set?
A set is usually first to 6 games with a 2-game lead, although match formats can vary.
Do beginners need to know every scoring rule?
No. Learn points, games, sets and the deuce rule being used that day. That covers most beginner matches.
Sources and further reading
- LTA: official padel rules and scoring explained
- International Padel Federation: Rules of Padel
- International Padel Federation: Star Point explanation
Sources checked 22 June 2026.
