How to Keep Score in Basketball
Basketball adds points continuously throughout timed periods. Free throws are worth one point, field goals inside the three-point line are worth two, and shots made from beyond the arc are worth three.
Start a basketball scoreboard- Scoring plays
- 1, 2, or 3 points
- FIBA format
- Four 10-minute quarters
- NBA format
- Four 12-minute quarters
How basketball scoring works
- 01
Add one point for each successful free throw.
- 02
Add two points for a successful field goal released from inside the three-point line.
- 03
Add three points for a successful field goal released from outside the three-point line.
- 04
At the end of regulation, the higher score wins. Tied games continue with overtime periods until the tie is broken.
Choose the rules your event uses
Governing bodies, age groups, and tournament directors can use different formats. Confirm the format before play.
International rules use five-minute overtime periods.
NBA overtime periods are five minutes.
Use the two-halves option in the scorekeeper setup.
The period structure matches FIBA, though other rules differ.
Keep the scoreboard clean
- ✓Use the +1, +2, and +3 buttons for the scoring play that was awarded.
- ✓Advance the quarter or half only when the game clock expires.
- ✓Check the official signal before correcting a two-point shot to three points.
Read the complete rules
This guide covers scoreboard essentials, not every playing rule. Local competition rules take precedence.