Basketball scoreboard online with team fouls and timeouts
This basketball scoreboard turns a phone or tablet into the scorer’s table: +1, +2 and +3 buttons for each team, a team foul counter that warns when the penalty situation starts, and timeout tracking. If the game is tied after the fourth quarter, it opens overtime by itself. Made for barangay leagues, school gyms, church leagues and pickup games.
Source: FIBA Official Basketball Rules, Art. 8, 18, 41, FIBA – Official Basketball Rules (Art. 8 playing time, Art. 18 time-out, Art. 41 team fouls: penalty). Updated: .
How it is calculated
The basketball scoreboard counts points, team fouls and timeouts for two teams, quarter by quarter, following the FIBA rules. One person at the table can run it with one hand.
How to use the basketball scoreboard
- Type the names of both teams (or keep “Home” and “Away”).
- For each basket press +2 or +3; for each free throw made, +1.
- Record every foul with + Foul and every timeout with Timeout.
- When the clock runs out, press End quarter: team fouls go back to zero and the next quarter starts.
- A tap too many? Undo takes back one action at a time – point, foul, timeout or end of quarter.
Example: the home team scores two 2-point baskets and one three-pointer; the board shows 7. The away team commits its fourth foul of the quarter and its foul line is highlighted: from now on each of its fouls sends the opponent to the free-throw line.
What each basket is worth
| Shot | Points | Button |
|---|---|---|
| Free throw made | 1 | +1 |
| Field goal inside the three-point line | 2 | +2 |
| Field goal from behind the three-point line | 3 | +3 |
Quarters, overtime and timeouts
Under FIBA rules – the rules of international basketball – a game has four quarters of 10 minutes. There is no draw: if the score is level after the fourth quarter, a 5-minute overtime is played, and another if needed. That is why “End quarter” opens overtime on a tie and ends the game when there is a winner.
| Part of the game | Timeouts per team |
|---|---|
| First half (quarters 1 and 2) | 2 |
| Second half (quarters 3 and 4) | 3 |
| Each overtime | 1 |
The board shows timeouts used (for example 1/2) and locks the button when a team has none left. Unused timeouts do not carry over to the next half.
Team fouls: when the penalty starts
Team fouls are counted per quarter. After the fourth team foul the team is in the penalty situation: from the fifth on, each personal foul on a player who is not shooting is punished with two free throws. The counter returns to zero each quarter; in overtime the count of the fourth quarter continues.
School, college and professional leagues in the United States use their own quarter lengths, foul limits and timeout numbers. The points work the same everywhere; simply ignore the foul warning and the timeout limit if your league counts differently.
What the scoreboard does not do
- No game clock and no shot clock. Run the time on a second device or on the gym clock.
- No possession arrow.
- No personal fouls per player – those belong on the scoresheet.
For other sports there are the volleyball scoreboard, the futsal scoreboard and the general online scoreboard. Need to pick sides first? Try the random team generator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep score with the basketball scoreboard?
Press +2 for a regular basket, +3 for a three-pointer and +1 for each free throw made. Undo corrects a wrong tap.
How many team fouls are allowed per quarter?
Four under FIBA rules. From the fifth team foul of a quarter, each foul on a player who is not shooting gives the opponent two free throws. The count resets in the next quarter.
How many timeouts does each team have?
Under FIBA rules two in the first half, three in the second half and one in each overtime. The board shows how many have been used and locks the button when none are left.
What happens if the game is tied?
Basketball has no draw. When the fourth quarter ends level, the scoreboard opens an overtime period and repeats this until there is a winner.
How long is a basketball game?
Four quarters of 10 minutes under FIBA rules. The clock stops at every whistle, so a game lasts considerably longer in real time.
Does the scoreboard have a shot clock?
No. It counts points, team fouls, timeouts and quarters. Use a separate timer for the game clock and the shot clock.
Can I use it full screen in the gym?
Yes. The full-screen button enlarges the numbers on a phone, tablet or laptop connected to a TV. The score is saved on the device if the screen goes dark.
Can I share the score?
Yes. “Share” creates a link with the current score and the team names, ready to send on WhatsApp or Messenger.
Sources and legal basis
- FIBA Official Basketball Rules, Art. 8, 18, 41: FIBA – Official Basketball Rules (Art. 8 playing time, Art. 18 time-out, Art. 41 team fouls: penalty)
As of: · Editorial policy
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