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Table Tennis Maths

Maths in table tennis: scores

Add points and compare leads.

Quick answer

You can use addition and subtraction to keep track of scores in table tennis, and compare who is winning.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add and subtract points to keep track of table tennis scores and decide who is winning the game. Success signs:
  • You can count points and add them up to find the score.
  • You can tell who is winning by comparing scores.
  • You can play a pretend game of table tennis and keep score.
  • You can use maths to work out how many points you need to win.

Why this matters

Table tennis is a fun sport where players hit a ball back and forth over a net. To win, players must score points. Every time a player wins a point, they get one more point. Knowing how to add and subtract points helps you follow the game, understand who is winning, and even play your own game of table tennis! You use maths in table tennis just like you use it when playing board games, sharing snacks, or counting your pocket money. It helps you understand the score and makes the game more exciting.

How it works

Table tennis games are played to 11 points. The first player or team to score 11 points wins the game, but they must win by at least 2 points. This means if the score is 10-10, the game continues until one player scores 2 more points. To keep track of the score:
  1. Start with 0 points for both players.
  2. Each time a player scores a point, add 1 to their score.
  3. Compare the scores to see who is winning.
  4. Keep adding points until one player reaches 11 and leads by 2.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are playing table tennis with your friend. Example 1: You start with 0 points.
  • You score 1 point. Your score is now 1.
  • Your friend scores 1 point. Their score is now 1.
  • You score 2 more points. Your score is now 3.
  • Your friend scores 1 more point. Their score is now 2.
Example 2: You are playing a game that is close.
  • Score: 8-7. You are winning.
  • You score 1 more point. Score: 9-7.
  • Your friend scores 1 point. Score: 9-8.
  • You score 2 points. Score: 11-8. You win!
Example 3: The game is tied at 10-10.
  • You score 1 point. Score: 11-10.
  • Your friend scores 1 point. Score: 11-11.
  • You score 1 point. Score: 12-11. You win!
You can also use this in real life! For example, if you are playing a game with your sibling, you can count how many times each of you wins a round and add up the points to see who is winning.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Table Tennis Tournament You and your friend are entering a table tennis tournament. You have to play 3 matches. In each match, you will play to 11 points. Match 1:
  • You score 5 points.
  • Your friend scores 3 points.
Match 2:
  • You score 7 points.
  • Your friend scores 9 points.
Match 3:
  • You score 11 points.
  • Your friend scores 6 points.
Your challenge: Add up your points and your friend's points to see who wins the tournament! Step-by-step:
  1. Match 1: You = 5, Friend = 3
  2. Match 2: You = 7, Friend = 9
  3. Match 3: You = 11, Friend = 6
  4. Add your points: 5 + 7 + 11 = ?
  5. Add your friend's points: 3 + 9 + 6 = ?
  6. Compare the totals to see who won the tournament!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 11 points wins the game, even if the other player has 10 points.
    Why it happens: Not understanding the rule that you must win by 2 points.
    Fix: Remember: You must win by 2 points. If the score is 10-10, play on until one player wins by 2.
  • Mistake: Adding the wrong number of points.
    Why it happens: Getting confused when counting or not paying attention.
    Fix: Count slowly and clearly. Use fingers or draw dots to help.
  • Mistake: Not keeping track of who is winning.
    Why it happens: Not comparing scores properly.
    Fix: After each point, ask: "Who has more points now?"

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child understand table tennis scores by:
  • Playing pretend table tennis games at home and counting points together.
  • Using a whiteboard or paper to write scores as you play.
  • Encouraging your child to say the score out loud after each point.
  • Practising addition and subtraction with small numbers to build confidence.
  • Reading about table tennis games or watching short videos to see how scores are kept.
It’s okay if your child makes mistakes. These are learning opportunities. Encourage them to count again, and remind them that practice makes progress!

Practice questions

  1. Player A scores 4 points. Player B scores 2 points. What is the score?
  2. Player A has 6 points. Player B has 9 points. Who is winning?
  3. Player A has 10 points. Player B has 10 points. Player A scores 1 point. What is the score?
  4. Player A has 11 points. Player B has 8 points. Who wins?
  5. Player A scores 3 points. Player B scores 5 points. What is the score?
Answers:
  1. 4-2
  2. Player B is winning
  3. 11-10
  4. Player A wins
  5. 3-5

FAQ

What is the winning score in table tennis?

The winning score in table tennis is 11 points. You must win by at least 2 points. If the score is 10-10, you keep playing until one player leads by 2.

Can you win with 12 points?

Yes, you can win with 12 points if your opponent has 10 points. But if your opponent has 11 points, you must win by 2 points, so 13-11 is a win.

How do you keep track of points in table tennis?

You can use your fingers, draw dots, or write the scores down. Each time a player scores, add one point to their score and compare it to the other player's score.

What happens if the score is tied at 10-10?

If the score is tied at 10-10, the game continues until one player scores 2 more points than their opponent.

Why do we need to win by 2 points?

Winning by 2 points makes the game more exciting and fair. It means the winner really did better than their opponent, not just scored a few more points.