The Football Scoring System: Rules, Points & Touchdowns Explained
American football can look chaotic to a new viewer. Unlike soccer where every goal is simply worth 1 point, the scoring system for football assigns different values to different plays.
The short answer? Teams score points by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone for a Touchdown or kicking the ball through the goalposts for a Field Goal.
Whether you are watching the NFL or managing your own squad with professional American Football Sets, understanding the numbers is key to the game.
Football Scoring Chart (Reference Guide)
Quickly understand the value of every scoring play.
Scoring Method | Points | How It Happens |
Touchdown | 6 | The ball crosses the goal line (Run or Pass). |
Field Goal | 3 | Kicker kicks the ball through the uprights. |
Two-Point Conversion | 2 | The offense scores again from the 2-yard line. |
Safety | 2 | The ball carrier is tackled in their own end zone. |
Extra Point (PAT) | 1 | Kick through uprights immediately after a touchdown. |
1. Touchdown (6 Points)
The most common way to score is a Touchdown, which is always worth 6 points. This happens when a player—perhaps wearing a custom American Football Uniform—carries the ball across the opponent’s goal line or catches a pass while standing inside the end zone.
Common Misconception:
Many beginners search for “how many points is a touchdown” and assume it is 7 points because they see “7” on the scoreboard so often. However, the touchdown itself is strictly 6 points. The 7th point comes from the separate Extra Point kick that takes place immediately after the score.
(Note: If you are playing non-contact leagues, scoring rules may vary slightly, but the need for high-quality 7v7 Football Sets remains the same for team identity.)
2. Field Goal (3 Points)
When an offense gets close to the end zone but is stopped by the defense, they often choose to kick a Field Goal. This is a strategic move often used on “4th down” to ensure the team comes away with points rather than risking a turnover.
How many points is a field goal?
A successful kick through the uprights is worth 3 points. If the kick misses (goes wide left or right), the offense scores zero points and the other team takes possession of the football.
3. Safety (2 Points)
A Safety is the rarest score in the standard game and the only way a defense can score points without creating a turnover. Scoring a safety awards 2 points to the defensive team.
This occurs when an offensive player holding the ball is tackled inside their own end zone. It is a devastating play for the offense because they lose 2 points and must kick the ball to the other team immediately after.
4. After the Touchdown: Extra Point vs. Two-Point Conversion
After scoring a touchdown, a team gets one bonus opportunity to add more points.
- The Extra Point (1 Point): The team kicks the ball through the goalposts from the 15-yard line. This is also called the “PAT” (Point After Touchdown).
- The Two-Point Conversion (2 Points): The riskier option. Here, the team attempts one offensive play from the 2-yard line. This strategy is often discussed by coaches when selecting their Football Team Packages to ensure they have the right gear for every play type.
Rare & Obscure Scoring Rules
While Touchdowns and Field Goals happen every game, there are some scoring plays that are so rare, even longtime fans might not know them.
The Defensive Two-Point Conversion (2 Points)
For a long time, if the defense blocked an Extra Point kick or intercepted the ball during a Two-Point Conversion, the play was dead. But under modern rules, the ball is “live.”
If the defense recovers the ball and runs it all the way back to the opponent’s end zone, they are awarded 2 points.
The One-Point Safety (1 Point)
Is it possible to score exactly 1 point in football? Technically, yes.
This happens only during an Extra Point or Two-Point Conversion attempt. If the defense recovers the ball, runs backward into their own end zone, and gets tackled there, the offense is awarded 1 point.
The “Fair Catch” Kick (3 Points)
If a team makes a “Fair Catch” on a punt, they are legally allowed to attempt an uncontested Field Goal from that exact spot on the very next play. The defense must stand 10 yards away. If the kick goes through the uprights, it is worth 3 points.
Referee Scoring Signals
How do you know if a team scored just by looking at the official? Watch for these arm signals:
- Touchdown / Field Goal / Extra Point: The official raises both arms straight up above their head (like a “Goal” sign).
- Safety: The official brings their palms together above their head to form a triangle or “tepee” shape.
- No Score / Incomplete: The official waves their arms horizontally across their chest (like a baseball umpire signaling “Safe”).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a touchdown worth exactly?
A touchdown is worth 6 points on its own. It is never worth 7 points automatically; the 7th point comes from the successful kick that follows.
Can a defensive team score?
Yes! A defense can score a Safety which is worth 2 points. Additionally, if the defense intercepts a pass or recovers a fumble, they can run the ball into the opponent’s end zone for a defensive touchdown (6 points).
What is the maximum score possible on one play?
The maximum points a team can get from a single possession event is 8 points. This happens when a team scores a Touchdown (6 points) and immediately succeeds on a Two-Point Conversion (2 points).
