Golf Handicap Calculator

The Golf Handicap Calculator estimates your Handicap Index based on recent scores and course ratings. This tool helps amateur golfers track their playing ability and compete fairly against others. Whether you are joining a league, playing in a tournament, or just tracking progress, this calculator provides a reliable measure of your skill level using the World Handicap System.

Enter your gross score from a recent round (not adjusted for handicap)
Found on the scorecard (typically 65-80)
Found on the scorecard (typically 55-155)
Enter your gross score from a recent round
Found on the scorecard
Found on the scorecard
Enter your gross score from a recent round
Found on the scorecard
Found on the scorecard
Enter your gross score from a recent round
Found on the scorecard
Found on the scorecard
Enter your gross score from a recent round
Found on the scorecard
Found on the scorecard

How Handicap Index Is Calculated

The Handicap Index measures your potential ability on a course of standard playing difficulty. It uses the World Handicap System formula to standardize scores from different courses.

Handicap Differential = (Score - Course Rating) × 113 ÷ Slope Rating

Where:

  • Score = Your total strokes for the round
  • Course Rating = Expected score for a scratch golfer
  • Slope Rating = Relative difficulty for a bogey golfer
  • 113 = Standard slope rating

We calculate the differential for each of your last 5 rounds. This adjusts your score based on how difficult the course was compared to a standard track. We then sort these differentials and select the lowest 3 to determine your average potential. Finally, we average these best scores to generate your index.

  1. Compute the differential for each round using the formula.
  2. Identify the lowest 3 differentials from your list.
  3. Average the best 3 differentials to find your Handicap Index.

What Your Handicap Index Means

Your Handicap Index is a portable number that measures your demonstrated golfing ability. This standardization allows you to compete fairly against players of varying skill levels on any course.

High Handicap (20 and above): You are likely a beginner or weekend golfer. Your main goal is to make consistent contact and avoid big penalty numbers. Practice your short game to bring your scores down below 100.

Mid Handicap (10 to 19): You are an intermediate player who hits the ball fairly well. To drop into the next bracket, focus heavily on your putting and chipping statistics to save critical strokes during a round.

Low Handicap (Under 10): You are an advanced or competitive golfer. At this level, course management and mental strategy are key to lowering your index further.

Please note that this calculation is for informational purposes only. An official handicap index, required for most competitive tournaments, must be obtained through an authorized golf association or golf club.

Regularly recording your scores after every round ensures your index remains an accurate reflection of your current skill level.

Related Calculators

Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.

View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →