How to read a padel score: points, games & sets
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Read a padel score in layers: points make a game, games make a set, then sets decide the match. A final score such as 6–4, 6–3 records games in each set.
Pair A beats Pair B: 6–4, 6–3
A wins the first set by six games to four, then the second by six games to three. That is a 2–0 win in sets. The score contains 19 completed games: 6 + 4 + 6 + 3. It does not reveal how many individual rallies were played.
Inside a game
The first three points are called 15, 30 & 40. What happens at 40–40 depends on the format. FIP’s rules include advantage, Star Point & Golden Point options. The event’s rules determine which applies.
A tie-break uses ordinary numbers
In a standard tie-break, points are counted 0, 1, 2 & so on. A pair needs at least seven points & a two-point lead. An 8–6 tie-break produces a 7–6 set score. Some formats use a deciding match tie-break instead of a full final set.
Do not add the wrong numbers
If the scoreboard shows a set won 7–6 with an 8–6 tie-break, the tie-break points explain how that last game was decided. They are not another 14 games to add to the set.
Before interpreting a live score
Check which pair each row belongs to, which set is in progress & whether a number represents game points or tie-break points. A serving marker is separate from the score.
Sources
Sources checked 2026-09-05. Examples are illustrative unless labelled otherwise.
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