1. Score differential
(113 ÷ Slope) × (Score − Rating − PCC)Each round becomes a differential. Shoot 92 on a 71.2 rated course with a slope of 128 and your differential is 18.4.
World Handicap System (WHS) formula
Golf Handicap Calculator
This golf handicap calculator turns your recent scores into a Handicap Index using the official World Handicap System method, then converts it into a course handicap and playing handicap for any tee you play.
Handicap index calculator
Course handicap and playing handicap
Find the course rating, slope and par on the scorecard for the tees you are playing today.
Course handicap17
Playing handicap16
You receive 16 strokes over 18 holes.
15.5 × 128 ÷ 113 + (71.2 − 72) = 16.76Formula
How a Golf Handicap Is Calculated
The World Handicap System, used by the USGA, R&A and golf bodies worldwide, works out your handicap in three simple steps.
2. Handicap Index
Average of lowest 8 of last 20Your index is the average of your best 8 differentials from your most recent 20 rounds, rounded to one decimal place.
3. Course handicap
Index × Slope ÷ 113 + (Rating − Par)This converts your index into strokes for the tees you play. A 15.5 index on a 128 slope, 71.2 rated, par 72 course gives 17.
Use adjusted scores. Before posting, cap each hole at net double bogey: par + 2 + any handicap strokes you receive on that hole. Without an index yet, the cap is par + 5.
Fewer than 20 scores
How Many Scores Count Toward Your Handicap Index
You need 54 holes, such as three 18-hole rounds, to get a Handicap Index. Until you have 20 scores, fewer differentials are used and small adjustments apply. The calculator follows this table automatically.
| Scores in record | Differentials used | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Lowest 1 | −2.0 |
| 4 | Lowest 1 | −1.0 |
| 5 | Lowest 1 | None |
| 6 | Average of lowest 2 | −1.0 |
| 7 to 8 | Average of lowest 2 | None |
| 9 to 11 | Average of lowest 3 | None |
| 12 to 14 | Average of lowest 4 | None |
| 15 to 16 | Average of lowest 5 | None |
| 17 to 18 | Average of lowest 6 | None |
| 19 | Average of lowest 7 | None |
| 20 | Average of lowest 8 | None |
Formats
Handicap Allowances by Format
Your playing handicap is your course handicap multiplied by the recommended allowance for the format, which keeps competitions fair for every level of player.
| Format | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Individual stroke play | 95% |
| Individual match play | 100% |
| Four-ball stroke play | 85% |
| Four-ball match play | 90% |
| Foursomes | 50% of the combined course handicaps |
| Four-person scramble | 25%, 20%, 15% and 10% from lowest to highest |
| Two-person scramble | 35% of the lower and 15% of the higher |
Why ours
Why This Golf Handicap Calculator Is Better
Most free handicap calculators average every score or skip the rules for players with fewer than 20 rounds. This one follows the WHS method closely.
Real WHS rules
Uses the lowest 8 of 20, the reduced count table for 3 to 19 scores, adjustments, PCC and the 54.0 maximum.
See which rounds count
Counted rounds are highlighted in the list and on the chart, so you know exactly which scores drive your index.
Course and playing handicap
Convert your index for any tee box, with allowances for stroke play, match play and four-ball formats.
Different courses, one list
Enter a different rating and slope for every round. New rows copy the last course so repeat rounds take seconds.
Shows the working
Every differential and the final average are shown with the numbers plugged in, so you can check them against your club.
Save by link
No account needed. Share or bookmark a link that stores all your rounds and reopens them later on any device.
Guide
How to Use the Golf Handicap Calculator
Have your recent scorecards ready. The index updates as you type.
- Adjust each score
Cap every hole at net double bogey, then add up the hole scores to get your adjusted gross score.
- Enter rating and slope
Copy the course rating and slope rating for the tees you played from the scorecard or the course website.
- Add up to 20 rounds
Use your most recent rounds. Add at least 3 to get an index, and 20 for the most accurate result.
- Read your Handicap Index
See which rounds were counted, the average and any adjustment applied for fewer than 20 scores.
- Get your course handicap
Enter today’s slope, rating and par, pick the format, and see how many strokes you receive.
Benefits
Benefits of Knowing Your Handicap
A handicap makes golf fair and fun between players of every level, and it shows how your game is really improving.
Fair games with friends
Play level matches against anyone by giving or receiving the right number of strokes. Split groups evenly with the random team generator.
Track real progress
Your index reflects your best recent golf, so a falling number shows genuine improvement rather than one lucky round.
Enter club competitions
Most club events and society days need a handicap. Check where you stand before you join a club and get an official index.
Pick the right tees
Compare course handicaps across tee boxes to choose the set that matches your game and keeps the round enjoyable.
FAQ
Golf Handicap FAQ
How is a golf handicap calculated?
Each round is turned into a score differential: (113 ÷ Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score − Course Rating − PCC). Your Handicap Index is the average of the lowest 8 differentials from your most recent 20 rounds, rounded to one decimal place.
How many rounds do I need to get a handicap?
You need scores from 54 holes, such as three 18-hole rounds, to get an initial Handicap Index. With fewer than 20 scores, a smaller number of your best differentials is used, and adjustments apply when you have 3, 4 or 6 scores.
What is a good golf handicap?
Among golfers who keep a handicap, the average Handicap Index is around 14 for men and around 28 for women. An index under 10, called a single-figure handicap, is considered very good, and 0 is a scratch golfer.
What is the difference between Handicap Index and course handicap?
Your Handicap Index measures your ability on a course of standard difficulty and moves with you everywhere. Your course handicap converts that index into the number of strokes you receive on a specific set of tees, using its slope rating, course rating and par.
What is slope rating in golf?
Slope rating measures how much harder a course plays for a bogey golfer than for a scratch golfer. It ranges from 55 to 155, and 113 is the standard. A higher slope gives higher handicap players more strokes.
What is net double bogey?
Net double bogey is the maximum score you can post on any hole for handicap purposes. It equals par plus 2 plus any handicap strokes you receive on that hole. It stops one disastrous hole from inflating your handicap.
Can I use 9-hole scores for my handicap?
Yes. Under the World Handicap System, a 9-hole score is combined with an expected score for the other 9 holes to create an 18-hole differential. This calculator uses 18-hole scores, so enter full rounds or use your club system for 9-hole scores.
What is PCC in golf handicaps?
PCC stands for playing conditions calculation. It is an automatic adjustment from −1 to +3 that the handicap system applies when weather or course setup makes scoring much harder or easier than normal. Use 0 if you do not know it.
Is this an official golf handicap?
No. This calculator gives an accurate estimate using the WHS formula, but an official Handicap Index is issued only through a golf club and your national association, such as the USGA, England Golf or Golf Australia.
Know Your Strokes Before You Tee Off
Use the golf handicap calculator after every round to keep your index current, then plan the day with our other free tools.
Calculate my handicapThis is an unofficial estimate. An official Handicap Index is issued through a golf club and your national golf association.