Padel Scoring Explained: Points, Games, Sets and Tie-Breaks

Padel uses the familiar tennis sequence: points make games, games make sets, and sets decide the match. The confusing parts are usually deuce, deciding-point formats, serving order, and tie-breaks.

This guide reflects the current FIP scoring options and gives you the practical version to agree before a club or social match.

Try the interactive scoring comparison

Quick answer

• Points are called 0, 15, 30, 40, then game.
• At 40–40, the match can use advantage, Golden Point, or Star Point scoring.
• A standard set is first to six games with a two-game margin.
• At 6–6, a tie-break commonly decides the set.
• A match is normally best of three sets, but shorter formats and a super tie-break can be agreed in advance.

Points: 0, 15, 30, 40 and game

Points won	Score call
0	0 or love
1	15
2	30
3	40
4	Game, if the format’s winning condition is met

The serving pair’s score is called first. If the servers have won two points and the receivers have won one, the score is 30–15.

What happens at 40–40?

The current FIP rules list three scoring options. Your club or competition decides which one applies.

Format	What happens after 40–40?
Advantage	A pair must win two consecutive points after deuce
Golden Point	One deciding point is played immediately
Star Point	Up to two advantage cycles are played; if both return to deuce, one Star Point decides the game

Golden Point is the fastest option. Star Point, introduced into FIP competition in 2026, keeps limited advantage play before the final deciding point. Read the separate Golden Point and Star Point guides for examples.

Games and sets

A standard set is normally first to six games with a two-game lead. Common winning scores include 6–2, 6–4, and 7–5. If the set reaches 6–6, a tie-break commonly decides it.

The standard match format is best of three sets. Clubs often use shorter alternatives—such as four-game sets or a super tie-break instead of a full deciding set—to fit booked court time.

Tie-break scoring

Tie-break points are counted 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on. The standard tie-break is first to seven with a two-point lead. A score of 7–5 ends it; 7–6 does not.

The player whose turn it is serves the first point. Service then changes to the other pair for two points and continues in two-point turns. Players change ends after every six tie-break points. See the complete padel tie-break guide.

Super tie-break

A super tie-break is normally first to ten points with a two-point lead. It can replace the final set when that alternative format is agreed before the match.

Common scoring mistakes

1. Starting without agreeing on advantage, Golden Point, or Star Point.
2. Calling the receiving pair’s score first.
3. Forgetting the service order after a long game.
4. Counting tie-break points like a normal game.
5. Ending a tie-break without the required two-point lead.

Keep score without stopping play

VMSPadel lets one player update each point from Apple Watch while an iPhone optionally shows the score to the whole court. The app keeps the selected format, serving context, side-change prompts, match history, and stats together.

See how the VMSPadel scorekeeper works

Rule source

This guide summarizes Rule 1 and Rule 5 of the International Padel Federation’s current Rules of Padel. Always follow the format published by your competition or agreed by your group.