How to Keep Score in Tennis
Tennis is scored in layers: points win games, games win sets, and sets win the match. Shared Scores handles the 0–15–30–40 sequence, deuce, advantage, games, and set totals automatically.
Start a tennis scoreboard- Point sequence
- 0, 15, 30, 40, game
- Standard set
- First to 6 games, win by 2
- Tiebreak
- Usually first to 7, win by 2
How tennis scoring works
- 01
Award one point to the player or team that wins the rally. The display advances through 15, 30, and 40.
- 02
At 40–40, the score is deuce. A player must win two consecutive points to win the game: advantage, then game.
- 03
A standard set is won at six games with a two-game lead. At 6–6, most formats use a tiebreak.
- 04
The player who wins two sets in a best-of-three match, or three sets in a best-of-five match, wins the match.
Choose the rules your event uses
Governing bodies, age groups, and tournament directors can use different formats. Confirm the format before play.
The most common match length for recreational and professional play.
Used in selected major men’s events and team competitions.
Often replaces a final set in doubles and local competition.
An ITF-recognized short-form event with no games or sets.
Keep the scoreboard clean
- ✓Tap the side that won the rally; the app handles tennis notation.
- ✓Confirm whether the final set uses a tiebreak or continues until a two-game lead.
- ✓For a match tiebreak, follow the event’s local format.
Read the complete rules
This guide covers scoreboard essentials, not every playing rule. Local competition rules take precedence.