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Badminton Maths

Maths in badminton: scores

Add points and compare leads.

Quick answer

Badminton scores are added using simple maths, and you can compare leads to see who is winning. Players score points when their opponent makes a mistake or when the shuttlecock lands out of bounds. Points are added to a player's score, and the first to reach 21 points wins the game, with a 2-point lead.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to add points in badminton and compare scores to see who is winning. Success signs:
  • You can count up points when a game is played
  • You can tell who is winning by comparing scores
  • You can add points to your own score
  • You can explain why a point is scored

Why this matters

Maths in badminton helps you understand how games work and who is winning. Whether you're watching a match or playing yourself, knowing how points are scored makes the game more fun. It also helps you keep track of your own progress, especially when you're learning new skills. Badminton is played in games, and each game is made up of points. Points are scored when your opponent makes a mistake or the shuttlecock lands in a spot that's out of bounds. Understanding how points work helps you enjoy the game more and feel proud when you score points.

How it works

Badminton points are added like this:
  1. Each point is worth 1 point
  2. Players score when their opponent makes a mistake or the shuttlecock lands out of bounds
  3. Points are added to a player’s score
  4. First player to reach 21 points wins the game, with a 2-point lead
In badminton, a game is made up of points. Each point is worth one point. You score a point when your opponent does something wrong, like hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds or not hitting it at all. You can also score if the shuttlecock lands in a spot that's not allowed. When you play, you keep track of your points by adding them up. The first player to reach 21 points wins, but they must have a 2-point lead. For example, if the score is 20-19, the game continues until one player reaches 22 points or a 2-point lead.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're playing badminton with your friend. Here are some examples of how points are scored: Example 1: Scoring a point You hit the shuttlecock, and your friend misses it. You score 1 point. Your score is now 1, and your friend’s score is 0. Example 2: Adding points You score 3 points in a row. Your score is now 3. Your friend’s score is still 0. Example 3: Comparing scores You have 10 points and your friend has 7 points. You are winning by 3 points. Example 4: Game ending You have 21 points, and your friend has 19 points. You win the game because you have a 2-point lead. Example 5: Tie game You both have 20 points. The game continues until one player reaches 22 points.

Try it as a mini adventure

Badminton Score Challenge Imagine you and your friend are playing a badminton game. You are going to play 10 rounds and score points. You will write down your scores after each round. Round 1: You score 1 point. Your friend scores 0 points. Round 2: You score 2 points. Your friend scores 1 point. Round 3: You score 0 points. Your friend scores 3 points. Round 4: You score 1 point. Your friend scores 0 points. Round 5: You score 3 points. Your friend scores 2 points. Round 6: You score 0 points. Your friend scores 1 point. Round 7: You score 2 points. Your friend scores 0 points. Round 8: You score 1 point. Your friend scores 3 points. Round 9: You score 0 points. Your friend scores 2 points. Round 10: You score 3 points. Your friend scores 1 point. Now, add up your points and your friend’s points. Your total points: ? Friend’s total points: ? Who wins the game? Why?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that the first player to reach 21 points always wins. Why it happens: Players might not know about the 2-point lead rule. Fix: Remember that the winner must have 2 points more than their opponent.
  • Mistake: Adding points incorrectly. Why it happens: Counting too quickly or making a mistake. Fix: Count slowly and double-check your score after each round.
  • Mistake: Not understanding who scores a point. Why it happens: Not knowing the rules of badminton. Fix: Watch a few games to see when points are scored.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Playing a simple game of badminton at home or in the park
  • Counting points together as you play
  • Practising adding points quickly and accurately
  • Discussing who is winning and why
  • Encouraging your child to explain the rules
You can also use this opportunity to teach your child about:
  • Simple addition
  • Comparing numbers
  • Winning and losing with grace
  • Following rules and fair play
It's okay if your child makes mistakes. Use these as learning moments to help them understand better. Don’t worry if they don’t get it right away – it takes time to learn new games and rules.

Practice questions

  1. Player A scores 5 points. Player B scores 3 points. How many points does Player A have?
  2. Player A has 10 points. Player B has 12 points. Who is winning?
  3. Player A scores 1 point. Player B scores 2 points. What is the difference in their scores?
  4. Player A has 15 points. Player B has 18 points. How many more points does Player B need to win?
  5. If Player A has 20 points and Player B has 19 points, who wins the game?
Answers:
  1. Player A has 5 points.
  2. Player B is winning.
  3. The difference is 1 point.
  4. Player B needs 3 more points to win.
  5. Player B wins the game.

FAQ

How are points scored in badminton?

Points are scored when your opponent makes a mistake, like hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds or not hitting it at all.

What is the winning score in badminton?

The first player to reach 21 points wins, with a 2-point lead.

Can a game end in a tie?

No, a game cannot end in a tie. If the score is tied at 20-20, the game continues until one player has a 2-point lead.

How do I keep track of scores?

You can count points as you play, or use a piece of paper to write down the scores after each round.

Why do I need to know about badminton scores?

Knowing how scores work helps you enjoy the game more and understand who is winning.