How padel scoring works
There are two scoring systems you'll run into — the "proper" tennis-style one, and the quicker social one. Here's how each works.
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Two ways padel gets scored
Same points system as tennis
Points within a game go 15 → 30 → 40 → game. Win 6 games (by at least 2) to take a set, and win 2 sets to win the match. If you already know tennis scoring, you already know this one — padel just borrowed it wholesale. See our full rules guide for everything else.
Deuce, or "golden point"
At 40-40, traditional tennis rules say you need to win by 2 clear points (deuce & advantage). A lot of padel clubs use "golden point" instead — the next point at 40-40 just wins the game outright, no advantage needed. It makes matches faster and the receiving team chooses which side to return from. Ask at the start of a match which one you're playing, since both are common.
Or just count to 16 (or 32)
Loads of casual and open-play games skip games and sets altogether and just count total points. The most common version: each player serves 4 points in a row before the serve rotates to the next player, and you play until someone hits 16 points. Double it — 8 serves each, first to 32 — for a longer game. This is exactly how an Americano or Mexicano is scored.
Serve stays with you for your turn
Instead of alternating serve every point like formal scoring, one player serves several points in a row (usually 4), then it passes to the next player — going round all 4 players on court in order. Every serve still has to be underarm, below the waist, after one bounce, and hit diagonally, exactly as in the regular rules.
It depends on the session
Good to know
Formal matches, leagues, and most coached lessons tend to use proper tennis scoring. Casual open play, Americanos, and social sessions often use the count-to-16 (or 32) version because it's quicker to explain and keeps things moving. If you're not sure which you're playing, just ask before you start — nobody will think it's a strange question.
You don't need to memorise this
Whoever's serving usually calls the score out loud, and your group will happily remind you. Just focus on hitting the ball 🩷
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