How padel scoring works
If you know tennis scoring, you already know most of padel scoring. Here is the full system, plus the one twist tennis players do not expect: the golden point.
Padel is scored exactly like tennis: points go 15, 30, 40, game, and a team must win six games (by two) to take a set, usually best of three sets. At 40–40 (deuce), many padel formats use a golden point — a single sudden-death point that decides the game — instead of requiring a two-point advantage. The receiving team chooses the return side for the golden point.
Key takeaways
- Points count 15, 30, 40, game — the tennis sequence.
- At 40–40 it is deuce; the golden point resolves it in one point in many formats.
- A set is first to six games, win by two, with a tie-break at 6–6.
- Matches are usually best of three sets.
- Scoring is per team, since padel is played in doubles.
Points within a game
Each rally won moves your team up the scale. The progression is the same as tennis, with zero called "love."
| Rallies won | Called |
|---|---|
| 0 | Love |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 (with a two-point lead) | Game |
Deuce and the golden point
When both teams reach 40, the game is at deuce. In traditional scoring a team must then win two points in a row. In most modern padel formats, though, deuce is settled by a single golden point: sudden death, winner takes the game. A distinctive touch is that the receiving team chooses which side to receive on for that point.
Games, sets and the match
Win six games (with at least a two-game margin) to take a set. At six games all, a tie-break is normally played to seven points, win by two. A full match is usually best of three sets. Because padel is a doubles game, the score always belongs to the team, not an individual — see can you play padel singles? for why. For the surrounding rules, read padel rules.
FAQs
What is the golden point in padel?
The golden point is a sudden-death deciding point played at deuce (40–40) in many padel formats. Whoever wins it wins the game, and the receiving team chooses which side to return from.
How many sets are in a padel match?
Most padel matches are best of three sets. A set is won by the first team to six games with a two-game margin, and a tie-break is usually played at six games all.
Is padel scoring the same as tennis?
Almost. Padel uses the same 15/30/40/game and set structure as tennis. The common difference is the golden point, which resolves deuce in a single point rather than requiring a two-point margin.
Last updated August 12, 2026 · PadelAnywhere Editorial
Sources
Based on the official rules of play published by padel federations. Some leagues use traditional advantage scoring rather than the golden point; confirm the format before a match.