How many points do you need to win Canasta?

The standard winning target in Canasta is 5,000 points. The first team (or player) to reach 5,000 points at the end of a complete hand wins the game. You cannot win mid-hand — the hand plays out fully, then scores are tallied.

What is the initial meld requirement in Canasta?

Your team's first meld each game must meet a minimum point threshold based on your current score: below 0 points requires 15 points; 0–1,499 points requires 50 points; 1,500–2,999 points requires 90 points; 3,000 or more points requires 120 points. Wild cards count toward the initial meld value.

How much is a natural canasta worth?

A natural (clean) canasta — a meld of seven natural cards with no wild cards — is worth 500 bonus points. A mixed (dirty) canasta — a meld of seven cards that includes at least one wild card — is worth 300 bonus points.

How are red threes scored in Canasta?

Each red three drawn is worth 100 bonus points. If a team collects all four red threes, the value doubles to 800 points total for the four. However, red three bonuses only apply if your team has made at least one meld during the hand. If you have red threes but no melds, the red three values become penalties (negative points).

What is the going out bonus in Canasta?

Going out (playing your last card) earns a 100-point bonus. If you go out concealed — meaning you meld your entire hand in one turn without having made any previous melds — the going out bonus doubles to 200 points in most rule sets.

Canasta Score Sheet — Free Printable Scorecard

A free printable Canasta scorecard tracking melds, canasta bonuses, red threes, and going out bonuses for 2–6 players across multiple rounds.

May 24, 2026 2 min read

Print this score sheet for your Canasta game. First team or player to 5,000 points wins.

Canasta Scoring Quick Reference

Event	Points
Natural (clean) canasta	+500
Mixed (dirty) canasta	+300
Going out	+100
Going out concealed	+200
Red three (each)	+100
All four red threes	+800 (total)
Red threes with no meld	−100 each (penalty)

Card Point Values

Cards	Value Each
Joker	50
Ace, 2 (wild)	20
8, 9, 10, J, Q, K	10
4, 5, 6, 7, Black 3	5
Red 3	See bonus table above

Unmelded cards in your hand count as penalty points (negative) at end of hand.

Initial Meld Requirement

Your Team’s Current Score	Min. First Meld Value
Below 0	15 points
0 – 1,499	50 points
1,500 – 2,999	90 points
3,000+	120 points

Canasta Score Sheet — 2 Teams (or 2 Players)

Team names: _______________________ vs _______________________

Hand	Team 1 Melds	Team 1 Bonuses	Team 1 Penalties	Team 1 Round Total	Team 1 Running Total	Team 2 Melds	Team 2 Bonuses	Team 2 Penalties	Team 2 Round Total	Team 2 Running Total
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Final

Winner: _____________________________ Final Score: ___________

Canasta Score Sheet — Per-Hand Detail Sheet

Use this sheet to calculate the round total before transferring to the running total above.

Hand #: ___ Dealer: ___________________

Category	Team 1	Team 2
Meld value (cards melded × card value)
Natural canastas (× 500 each)
Mixed canastas (× 300 each)
Red threes (100 each, or 800 for all 4)
Going out bonus (100 or 200 concealed)
Subtotal (positive)
Penalty: cards left in hand (each card at face value)
Penalty: red threes with no meld (−100 each)
Subtotal (negative)
Round Total

How to Score a Canasta Hand

Step 1 — Count meld value

Add up the point values of all cards your team successfully melded (placed on the table) during the hand. Use the card value table above.

Step 2 — Add canasta bonuses

Count your complete melds of 7+ cards. Each natural canasta (no wild cards) adds 500 points. Each mixed canasta (includes wild cards) adds 300 points.

Step 3 — Add red three bonuses

Count each red three your team drew and placed. Each is worth 100 points — but only if your team made at least one meld. If you have red threes and no meld, they cost 100 each.

Step 4 — Add going out bonus

If your team went out this hand, add 100 points. If you went out concealed (first meld was your entire hand), add 200 points instead.

Step 5 — Subtract penalties

Count the point value of all cards still in your team’s hands that were not melded. Subtract that total. Also subtract 100 for each red three if you have no meld.

Step 6 — Calculate round total

Positive subtotal minus penalties = round total. Add to your running score.

Tracking Multiple Games

If you’re playing a match (first to win 2 or 3 games), use this table:

Game	Team 1 Final Score	Team 2 Final Score	Winner
1
2
3
Match Winner

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