Badminton Scoring Rules Explainer
Use this badminton scoring rules explainer to check rally scoring, the 21-point win condition, deuce extension and end changes for singles or doubles.
Result
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Game and match status
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- Match
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- Points needed to win
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- Deuce extension
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- Change ends
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Use the badminton scoring app to keep a live score while you play.
How badminton scoring rules work
Badminton scoring rules use rally scoring: the side that wins a rally adds one point. A game normally goes to 21, but a side must lead by two points to win unless the score reaches the 30-point cap.
At 20-20, play continues until one side leads by two. At 29-29, the side that reaches 30 wins. Matches are best of three games, and the same scoring applies in singles and doubles.
Players change ends after each game and at 11 points in the third game. This page explains the score you enter; it is not a live scoreboard.
Game win = score ≥ 21 and lead ≥ 2, or score = 30 The result applies rally scoring to the current game score. A complete match also depends on the number of games each side has won.
Badminton scoring rules FAQ
How many points are needed to win a badminton game?
A game normally goes to 21 points, with a two-point lead required. At 29-29, the side that reaches 30 wins.
What happens at 20-20 in badminton?
The game enters a deuce extension: play continues until one side leads by two, unless the score reaches 29-29 and the next point wins at 30.
Is badminton scoring different in singles and doubles?
The rally-scoring game target and 30-point cap are the same. Singles and doubles differ in court and service details, not the points needed to win a game.
When do badminton players change ends?
Players change ends after each game and at 11 points in the third game of a best-of-three match.
How many games are in a badminton match?
The standard match format is best of three games, so the first side to win two games wins the match. A single game can also be checked here as a standalone score.