Sport Scoring SolutionsTable tennis scoring: the rules and a free app to keep score
Table tennis scoring is simple once you know it, but keeping track of whose serve it is, when to change ends and what the game count is can trip up even experienced players. This guide explains the scoring rules for singles and doubles. It also shows which of our free apps to use. The apps do the counting for you.
Open the singles scorer Open the doubles scorer
Watch: how to play table tennis
Winning a game
- A game is won by the first player or pair to reach 11 points.
- You must win by two clear points. At 10–10 (deuce) play continues until one side leads by two, for example 12–10 or 15–13.
- A point is scored on every rally, whoever served.
Winning a match
A match is played as the best of an odd number of games, usually best of 5 (first to 3 games) or best of 7 (first to 4). Social and league matches are often best of 3 or 5. In our apps you choose the match length before you start, and you can also change the points per game, for example to 21 for practice or older formats.
Who serves
- Each player serves two points in a row, then the serve passes to the opponent.
- From 10–10 the serve alternates after every point.
- The player or pair who served first in a game receives first in the next game.
The apps show a serve indicator next to the player who should serve, and update it automatically at deuce.
Changing ends
Players change ends after each game. In the last possible game of the match (for example game 5 in a best of 5), they also change ends when the first player reaches 5 points. The apps swap the names on screen at the right moment and show a reminder in the final game.
Doubles service order
In doubles the serve must go diagonally from the server's right half-court to the receiver's right half-court. The order of service rotates like this, with A1 and A2 against B1 and B2:
| Points | Server | Receiver |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | A1 | B1 |
| 3–4 | B1 | A2 |
| 5–6 | A2 | B2 |
| 7–8 | B2 | A1 |
| 9–10 | A1 | B1 (and so on) |
Partners must also hit the ball alternately during a rally. In the deciding game of a doubles match, the receiving pair changes their order of receiving when the ends change at 5 points. The doubles scorer shows both the server and the receiver, so you do not have to work this out during play.
King of the Table: a fun format for four players
King of the Table is a doubles format for social nights and coaching groups. Four players play three sets and change partners every set, so everyone plays with and against everyone:
- Set 1: A + B against C + D
- Set 2: A + C against B + D
- Set 3: A + D against B + C
Each player collects the points their pair scores. The player with the highest total is King of the Table. If players are tied, a one-set play-off decides it. The King of the Table app does the rotation, totals and play-off for you.
How to use the table tennis apps
- Enter the player names. For doubles, enter both pairs and choose which pair serves first.
- Choose the match length and points per game, then press Start.
- Tap the score box of the side that won each rally. Use Undo if you tap the wrong side.
- The game history below the score lists every completed game, ready to copy into a results sheet.
Common scoring questions
What happens if the serve hits the net?
If the serve touches the net and then lands correctly on the receiver's side, it is a let. The serve is replayed and no point is scored. Don't add a point in the app.
Can I play to 21?
The official game has been 11 points since 2001, but you can set the points per game to 21 in the singles and doubles apps for practice or friendly matches.
Is there a time limit?
Competitions use the expedite system if a game takes longer than 10 minutes, unless both players have at least 9 points. It is rarely needed in club play, so the apps do not include it.
These notes summarise the commonly used table tennis rules for club and social play. For sanctioned competitions, always follow the current ITTF Handbook and your event's regulations.