Kundli Matching (Kundli Milan or Guna Milan) is the traditional Vedic method of comparing two birth charts before marriage. It uses the Ashtakoota system: eight factors (kootas) worth a total of 36 points (gunas), based on the Moon sign and nakshatra of both partners. A score of 18 or more is traditionally considered acceptable, and 25 or more a good match. But the score is only one part of the picture.
This guide explains how Guna Milan is calculated, what each of the eight kootas means, what to do if the score is low, how matching by name works, and what a good match really needs. To try it right now, start with our free Kundli Matching.
What Is Kundli Matching (Kundli Milan)?
Kundli milan means "matching of horoscopes". Families have used it for centuries to check how well two people may get along in married life. It looks at temperament, mental and emotional harmony, family life and health, using the Moon's position in each person's chart.
It is a traditional astrological framework, not a scientific, medical or psychological test, and it cannot predict whether a relationship will succeed. Treat it as one input alongside real compatibility, values, health and family discussion.
What You Need for Kundli Matching
For both partners:
- Full name and gender
- Date of birth
- Exact time of birth
- Place of birth
The Moon moves about one nakshatra per day, so even a few hours' error in birth time can change the nakshatra, and sometimes the Moon sign, which changes the score. Use a birth certificate or hospital record when you can.
The 8 Kootas of Ashtakoota Guna Milan (36 Points)
- Varna (1 point): spiritual and ego compatibility, and each partner's outlook and sense of duty. Based on the Moon sign.
- Vashya (2 points): mutual attraction, influence and how well each partner adapts to the other.
- Tara (3 points): health, well-being and destiny, based on the nakshatras.
- Yoni (4 points): physical and instinctive compatibility. Each nakshatra is linked to an animal symbol.
- Graha Maitri (5 points): mental compatibility and friendship, based on whether the Moon sign lords are friendly.
- Gana (6 points): temperament. The three types are Deva (gentle), Manushya (balanced) and Rakshasa (strong-willed).
- Bhakoot (7 points): emotional bond, love, and family and financial well-being, based on the relationship between the two Moon signs.
- Nadi (8 points): health and progeny. It is the highest-scoring koota, and the one that gets the most attention.
Total: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 36 points.
How Many Gunas Are Needed? Score Meaning
Traditional guidance, which varies between astrologers:
- Below 18: generally not recommended without careful review
- 18 to 24: acceptable or average
- 25 to 32: very good
- 33 to 36: excellent
Is 36 out of 36 needed? No. A perfect score is rare and not required. Many successful marriages have scores in the 20s, and a high score does not guarantee a good marriage. A score can also be low because of one koota (such as Nadi or Bhakoot) while the rest is strong.
Beyond the Score: What a Good Match Also Checks
A careful astrologer looks at much more than the 36 points:
- Mangal (Manglik) Dosh in both charts. See Manglik Dosh: Meaning, How to Check and Upay.
- Nadi Dosh and Bhakoot Dosh, and whether cancellation applies
- The 7th house, its lord, Venus and Jupiter in each chart
- The Navamsa (D9) chart, the chart traditionally used for marriage
- Dasha periods, to see how the next few years align for both partners
- Other patterns, such as Kaal Sarp Dosh, where relevant
For a full overview, read Dosh in Kundli: Types, Meaning and Remedies.
Want the full picture? The Kundli Match Making Report compares both charts in detail and includes Guna Milan and dosha information where provided, as a downloadable PDF.
Nadi Dosh and Bhakoot Dosh: What They Mean
Nadi Dosh occurs when both partners fall in the same Nadi (Aadi, Madhya or Antya), so the Nadi koota scores zero out of 8. Traditionally it is linked to health and children, which is why families worry about it. Common cancellations include the two having the same nakshatra but different padas, or the same Moon sign but different nakshatras. Cancellation rules vary, so consult a qualified astrologer.
Bhakoot Dosh occurs for certain Moon sign pairs (such as 6/8, 2/12 and 5/9) and costs up to 7 points. It is often cancelled when the two Moon sign lords are the same or friendly.
Kundli Matching by Name, Date of Birth or Without Birth Time
- By date, time and place of birth (best): this gives the accurate Moon sign and nakshatra.
- By date of birth only: some tools estimate the Moon's position from the date alone. The result is a rough guide, since the Moon changes sign roughly every 2.3 days and nakshatra roughly daily.
- By name only: this uses the first sound of the name (Namakshar) to assign a Moon sign and nakshatra. It is used when birth details are not known, and it is less accurate. Treat the result as indicative only.
If you have the exact birth details, use them. You can generate your free Kundli first to confirm each person's Moon sign and nakshatra.
Why Do Kundli Matching Scores Differ Between Websites?
Different tools can show slightly different scores for the same couple because of:
- Ayanamsa choices (most use Lahiri, but not all)
- Different cancellation (parihara) rules for Nadi and Bhakoot
- Different rules for same-nakshatra pairs
- Rounding and the order of "boy" and "girl" in some koota calculations
If scores differ by a point or two, don't panic. Ask an astrologer to check the underlying Moon signs and nakshatras.
How to Choose a Kundli Matching Tool
Look for tools that:
- Show the full Ashtakoota table with points for each koota, not only a total
- Report Mangal, Nadi and Bhakoot dosha and whether any cancellation applies
- Explain the result in plain language
- Ask for the exact time and place of birth
- Are clear that this is traditional guidance and not a guarantee
- Respect your privacy
South Indian Matching: The 10 Poruthams
In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, families commonly use the 10 Poruthams (Dina, Gana, Mahendra, Stree Deergha, Yoni, Rasi, Rasiyathipathi, Vasya, Rajju and Vedha) instead of, or alongside, the Ashtakoota system. Always ask which method your family follows.
Is Kundli Matching Needed for a Love Marriage?
It depends on your families and beliefs. Many couples in love marriages still do it to get family blessings and peace of mind. If the match is not ideal, consult an astrologer for cancellation factors and remedies before making any decision. Don't end a relationship on the basis of a number alone.
What to Do If the Score Is Low
- Check the birth details. A wrong time is the most common cause.
- Look at which kootas are low, since one koota (such as Nadi) can drag the total down.
- Check for cancellations (parihara), including Nadi and Bhakoot rules.
- Compare both charts fully: doshas, the 7th house, Venus, Jupiter and dashas. A Kundli Match Making Report gives you both charts side by side.
- Consult a qualified astrologer, and keep the conversation calm, not fearful.
- Go beyond astrology: talk openly about values, finances, health, family expectations and how you resolve disagreements. These matter as much as any chart.
Common Mistakes in Kundli Matching
- Using a wrong or approximate birth time
- Relying on a single total score
- Matching by name when exact birth details are available
- Ignoring Mangal dosh or Nadi dosh, or panicking about them without checking cancellations
- Accepting costly "remedies" from anyone who frightens you
- Treating the match as a guarantee
Kundli Matching in Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati
- Hindi: कुंडली मिलान, गुण मिलान
- Marathi: पत्रिका जुळवणी, कुंडली जुळवणे
- Gujarati: કુંડળી મિલન, ગુણ મિલન
कुंडली मिलान और गुण मिलान (हिंदी में संक्षेप)
कुंडली मिलान क्या है? विवाह से पहले दो जन्म कुंडलियों की तुलना, जिसमें वर और वधू की चंद्र राशि और नक्षत्र के आधार पर अष्टकूट गुण मिलान किया जाता है।
कितने गुण? कुल 36 गुण: वर्ण (1), वश्य (2), तारा (3), योनि (4), ग्रह मैत्री (5), गण (6), भकूट (7) और नाड़ी (8)।
कितने गुण जरूरी हैं? परंपरा के अनुसार 18 से कम गुण ठीक नहीं माने जाते, 18 से 24 मध्यम, 25 से 32 अच्छा और 33 से ऊपर उत्तम। 36 गुण मिलना जरूरी नहीं।
गुण मिलान के अलावा क्या देखें? मांगलिक दोष, नाड़ी दोष, भकूट दोष, सप्तम भाव, शुक्र, गुरु, नवांश और दशा।
नाम से मिलान: जन्म विवरण न हो तभी नाम से मिलान करें, यह कम सटीक होता है। सही जन्म समय और स्थान से परिणाम अधिक भरोसेमंद होते हैं।
Next Steps
Start with the free Kundli Matching and your free Kundli. To read the same charts in depth, ask the DivineAdda AI assistant or, for how reliable AI astrology is, read AI Kundli 2026: Can ChatGPT Really Read Your Birth Chart?.
Go deeper with your own chart: Kundli Match Making Report | Professional Kundli Report | Personalized Gemstone Report. Explore all personalised astrology reports.
Kundli matching is a traditional astrological framework and not a scientific, medical or psychological test of whether a relationship will succeed. Rules and cancellations differ between traditions and astrologers. Consult a qualified astrologer, and make marriage decisions with your family on the basis of the whole person, not a score alone.