Understanding Guna Milan: what the 36 points actually measure
26 Jun 2026
Guna Milan scores a match out of 36 across eight kootas. Here is what each one is looking at.
The eight kootas
| Koota | Points | What it looks at |
|---|---|---|
| Varna | 1 | Broad temperament and work orientation |
| Vashya | 2 | Mutual influence and give-and-take |
| Tara | 3 | Birth-star compatibility and general fortune |
| Yoni | 4 | Physical and temperamental compatibility |
| Graha Maitri | 5 | Friendship between the moon-sign lords |
| Gana | 6 | Nature — deva, manushya or rakshasa |
| Bhakoot | 7 | Moon-sign placement, read as family wellbeing |
| Nadi | 8 | Constitution and, traditionally, progeny |
The two that get vetoed
Nadi dosha — both partners sharing the same nadi scores zero out of eight. Because it is the heaviest koota, a Nadi dosha alone drops the maximum achievable to 28.
Bhakoot dosha — moon signs in a 6/8, 5/9 or 2/12 relationship score zero out of seven.
Traditionally these two are treated as vetoes rather than deductions, which is why we flag them separately instead of only showing the total.
What score is acceptable
Common practice is 18 or above out of 36. Above 25 is considered a strong match. Below 18, most families would seek an astrologer's opinion before proceeding.
How much weight to give it
Guna Milan is computed from birth star and moon sign only. It is a screening tool, not a full horoscope reading — Mangal dosha severity, dasha periods and navamsa placement all need a proper chart and an astrologer. Treat the number as one input among several, alongside everything you learn by actually talking to the person.