The difference is that score and scorecard usually mean two different things. A score is the written music for a composition or arrangement, while a scorecard is a card or report used to record or summarize scores or results.

In music

  • Score : the full written notation for a piece of music, often showing all parts together. In casual conversation, people also use “score” to mean music written for a film or show.
  • Scorecard : not a normal music term. It is usually used in games or evaluations, not in songwriting or composition.

In general use

  • Score can also mean a result, grade, or tally.
  • Scorecard means a sheet or report that tracks those results.

Simple example

  • “The orchestra read from the score.”
  • “The tournament used a scorecard to keep track of points.”

Quick read

If you meant music, the key difference is: score = the music itself , while scorecard = the record of results.

TL;DR: Score is usually the music or the result itself; scorecard is the document that records or reports results.