Best Tally Counter for Basketball Scoring
Basketball scoring requires more than a simple +1 counter. Between free throws, field goals, and three-pointers, you need custom point values, two-team tracking, and a fullscreen scoreboard big enough to read from the bleachers. We compared DTC against KeepTheScore and ScoreCounter to find the best courtside scoreboard.
What makes a great basketball scoring app?
A basketball scoreboard app needs to handle the sport's multi-point scoring system while keeping the interface fast enough for live play:
- Custom point values (+1/+2/+3) — free throws, field goals, and three-pointers need separate tap targets.
- Two-team layout — Home vs. Away with named counters, clearly separated.
- Fullscreen display — big digits readable from across the gym or court.
- Undo last action — one wrong tap during fast play shouldn't ruin the score.
- Sound/haptic confirmation — audible or tactile feedback so you don't have to look at the screen.
- Works offline (PWA) — gym basements and outdoor courts have spotty Wi-Fi.
- Period tracking — quarters or halves with per-period scores.
Basketball scoring features — compared
We ran each app through a full mock game: two-team setup, multi-point scoring, undo testing, and visibility on phone displays at arm's length.
| Feature | digitaltallycounter.com | keepthescore.com | scorecounter.io |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Features for Basketball | |||
| Increment counter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple counters | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Responsive design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom step amounts | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Sound effects | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Undo last action | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Quick-add amount buttons | ✓ | — | — |
| Fullscreen / focus mode | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Scoring Features | |||
| Match/game timer | ✓ | — | — |
| Period/half/quarter tracking | ✓ | — | — |
| Foul/penalty counter | ✓ | — | — |
| Team name customization | ✓ | — | — |
| Live scoreboard display mode | ✓ | — | — |
| Two-team scoring layout | ✓ | — | — |
The verdict
DigitalTallyCounter.com
Custom quick-add buttons for +1/+2/+3, fullscreen display, offline PWA, haptic feedback, and dedicated sports scoring mode. Name your counters "Home" and "Away," configure point values, and you have a courtside scoreboard in seconds. Free.
Open DigitalTallyCounter.com →KeepTheScore.com
Shareable live scoreboards via URL, OBS streaming overlay, embeddable widgets, and leaderboards with photos. Great when you need spectators watching remotely. Free tier.
Visit KeepTheScore →Why +1 isn't enough for basketball
Most online counters default to increment-by-one. That forces you to tap twice for a field goal and three times for a three-pointer — introducing errors during fast-paced play. DigitalTallyCounter.com lets you configure custom quick-add buttons so each scoring type gets its own single-tap target. You see three buttons (+1, +2, +3) and tap the right one in real time.
Using a tally counter as a gym scoreboard
The fullscreen/focus mode on DigitalTallyCounter.com turns your phone or tablet into a visible scoreboard. Combined with the two-team layout, you can prop up a tablet courtside and the score is readable from 20+ feet away. For recreational leagues without electronic scoreboards, this is a free alternative that works instantly.
Turn your phone into a basketball scoreboard — free.
Custom point values, fullscreen display, offline support. No signup needed.
Open DigitalTallyCounter.com