How to Keep Score in Volleyball
Indoor volleyball uses rally scoring, so every rally awards one point. The team that wins the required number of sets wins the match. Local leagues often shorten the match, but the point logic stays the same.
Start a volleyball scoreboard- Standard match
- Best of 5 sets
- Regular set
- First to 25, win by 2
- Deciding set
- First to 15, win by 2
How volleyball scoring works
- 01
Award one point to the team that wins each rally, whether it served or received.
- 02
End a regular set when a team reaches at least 25 points with a two-point lead.
- 03
In a best-of-five match, play the fifth set to 15. A two-point lead is still required.
- 04
Record the set winner, reset the point score, and continue until one team wins the required number of sets.
Choose the rules your event uses
Governing bodies, age groups, and tournament directors can use different formats. Confirm the format before play.
The FIVB indoor standard. Sets 1–4 go to 25 and set 5 goes to 15.
Common for schools, recreation, pools, and shorter schedules. The deciding third set is commonly played to 15 unless local rules say otherwise.
The first two sets go to 21 and the deciding set goes to 15, always win by two.
Keep the scoreboard clean
- ✓Confirm best-of-three or best-of-five before first serve.
- ✓Add one point after every rally.
- ✓Use the set control only after the two-point margin is reached.
Read the complete rules
This guide covers scoreboard essentials, not every playing rule. Local competition rules take precedence.