How Padel Scoring Works: Points, Games, Sets, Golden Point and Tiebreaks
Padel scoring explained: 15-30-40, deuce and advantage, the golden point, sets to six games, tiebreaks and super tiebreaks, plus who serves when.
If you know tennis scoring, you already know padel scoring. If you don't, it can sound strange: why 15, 30 and 40? This guide explains everything from the first point to the final tiebreak.
It also covers the golden point, the padel-specific rule that speeds up close games.
Points: 15, 30, 40, game
| Points won | Called |
|---|---|
| 0 | Love |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 | Game (if at least two points ahead) |
The serving pair's score is always called first, so "30-15" means the servers have two points and the receivers have one.
Deuce, advantage and the golden point
When both pairs reach 40, it's deuce. With traditional scoring, the next point gives advantage, and the pair with advantage wins the game if they win the following point. Otherwise it's back to deuce.
Many clubs and tournaments use the golden point (punto de oro) instead: at 40-40 one single point decides the game. The receiving pair chooses which player receives that point. Golden point keeps matches short and every deuce exciting. Always agree before the match which rule you're using.
Sets
- A set is won by the first pair to six games with a lead of at least two (6-4, 7-5).
- At 6-6, a tiebreak is played.
- Pairs change ends after the first game and then every two games (after odd-numbered games).
The tiebreak
The tiebreak is played to seven points, and you must win by two (7-5, 8-6…). Points are counted 1, 2, 3 rather than 15, 30, 40. The player due to serve serves one point, then each player serves two points in turn. Pairs change ends every six points. The winner takes the set 7-6.
Matches and the super tiebreak
A standard match is the best of three sets. To save time, some amateur leagues and tournaments replace the third set with a super tiebreak to 10 points (win by two).
Who serves?
Serve alternates between the pairs every game. Within a pair, partners take turns: if player A served the first game for their pair, player B serves that pair's next service game. The order stays the same for the whole set.
Quick reference
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| 40-40 | Advantage, or golden point if agreed |
| 6-6 in games | Tiebreak to 7, win by 2 |
| Change ends | After odd games; every 6 points in a tiebreak |
| Match | Best of 3 sets |
Padel Scoreboard: Score Keeper turns one tap per point into the correct 15-30-40 score, with golden point and tiebreak settings you choose before the match.