The Astrology Review
Kundli Matching for Marriage: The 36 Gunas (Ashtakoota) Explained
How does kundli matching work? The eight kootas of guna milan, the points each carries, and what astrologers check beyond the 36-point score.
Quick answer: Kundli matching (kundli milan) compares the bride's and groom's Moon nakshatras through eight checks called the Ashtakoota, scored out of 36 gunas: Varna 1, Vashya 2, Tara 3, Yoni 4, Graha Maitri 5, Gana 6, Bhakoot 7 and Nadi 8. Traditionally 18 or more is acceptable. Astrologers also check Manglik dosha, the 7th house, and Nadi and Bhakoot dosha before advising.
What is kundli matching?
Kundli matching, also called kundli milan, guna milan or horoscope matching, is the traditional Indian check of compatibility before marriage. The North Indian method is Ashtakoota (eight factors). South India often uses the related Dashakoota (ten porutham) system.
What do I need for kundli matching?
Both people's date, exact time and place of birth. The guna score depends on the Moon's nakshatra and sign, so even an approximate birth time usually gives the right score, unless the Moon was changing nakshatra that day.
What are the 8 kootas of guna milan?
| Koota | Points | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| Varna | 1 | Spiritual temperament and ego compatibility |
| Vashya | 2 | Mutual attraction and who influences whom |
| Tara (Dina) | 3 | Health and wellbeing, counted between birth stars |
| Yoni | 4 | Physical and intimate compatibility (14 animal types) |
| Graha Maitri | 5 | Mental compatibility: friendship between the Moon-sign lords |
| Gana | 6 | Temperament: deva, manushya or rakshasa |
| Bhakoot | 7 | Emotional bond, family welfare and prosperity: Moon-sign distance |
| Nadi | 8 | Health and progeny: adi, madhya or antya nadi |
| Total | 36 |
The two heaviest kootas, Nadi (8) and Bhakoot (7), together make up 15 of the 36 points. That is why Nadi dosha and Bhakoot dosha get so much attention.
How is the score worked out?
- Each person's Moon nakshatra and Moon sign are found from their birth chart.
- For each koota, a standard table gives the points for that pair of nakshatras or signs.
- The eight results add up to a score out of 36.
The tables are standard, so every correct calculator gives the same score for the same birth details. If two apps disagree, the birth time or place was usually entered differently.
What does the guna score mean?
| Score | Traditional reading |
|---|---|
| Below 18 | Not recommended without detailed analysis |
| 18–24 | Acceptable |
| 25–32 | Good match |
| 33–36 | Excellent match |
A full explanation, including what to do with a low score, is in what your gun milan score really means.
What do astrologers check beyond the 36 gunas?
The guna score compares only the two Moons. A careful astrologer also looks at:
- Manglik status of both charts, and its cancellations. See Manglik dosha.
- The 7th house, its lord, and Venus and Jupiter in each chart.
- The navamsa (D9) chart, traditionally read for marriage.
- Dashas running around the time of marriage.
- Nadi and Bhakoot dosha exceptions, which can cancel a zero score in those kootas.
That is why a 30/36 match can still come with advice, and an 18/36 match can be approved.
Where can I do kundli matching online?
Kundli matching is free on almost every Indian astrology app and website, including AstroSage, AstroTalk and most AI apps. Because the calculation is standard, choose based on how clearly the app explains doshas and exceptions, not on the score. See our best astrology apps guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many gunas should match for marriage?
Traditionally at least 18 of 36. Many families look for 24 or more. The score is only one part of the analysis, though. Manglik status and doshas matter too.
Can kundli matching be done by name only?
Matching by name uses the first letter of each name to guess the nakshatra. It is far less reliable than matching with birth details, and astrologers use it only when birth details are unknown.
Is a 36/36 match perfect?
A full score means the two Moon nakshatras are traditionally very compatible. It says nothing about the rest of either chart, or about the two people. No score guarantees a good marriage.
Is kundli matching necessary for love marriage?
That's a personal and family choice. Many couples in love marriages check kundlis to reassure their families, and use the result as a conversation, not a veto.
