How your golf handicap is calculated
A Handicap Index measures your potential, not your average. It is worked out in two steps.
1. A Score Differential for each round
Score Differential = (113 ÷ Slope Rating) × (Score − Course Rating − PCC)
Example: you shoot 92 on tees with a Course Rating of 71.2 and a Slope of 128. (113 ÷ 128) × (92 − 71.2) = 18.4. Harder courses have a higher Slope, so the same score gives a lower differential.
2. Average your lowest differentials
From your most recent 20 scores, the index averages the lowest ones:
| Scores | Lowest used | Adjustment | Scores | Lowest used | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | −2.0 | 9–11 | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | 1 | −1.0 | 12–14 | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | 1 | 0 | 15–16 | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | 2 | −1.0 | 17–18 | 6 | 0 |
| 7–8 | 2 | 0 | 19–20 | 7–8 | 0 |
The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0. To find out how many strokes you get on a particular course, convert your index into a Course Handicap.
What this calculator does not do
It is an estimate. It does not apply daily playing-condition adjustments automatically (you can enter PCC yourself), the soft and hard caps that limit how fast an index rises, or the exceptional-score reduction. It also uses your total score, so count any blow-up hole as no more than par + 5 (or par + 2 plus your strokes on that hole once you have a handicap). For competitions you need an official Handicap Index.
Quick answers by score
Want a rough number without entering rounds? See the handicap for a golfer who usually shoots80, 85,90, 95,100, 105,110, 115 or120, or browse the golf handicap chart.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my golf handicap?
For each round, work out a Score Differential: (113 ÷ Slope) × (your score − Course Rating). Then average your lowest differentials from your most recent 20 rounds: the lowest 8 of 20, or fewer if you have played fewer rounds. This calculator does all of it for you and shows each step.
What is my golf handicap if I usually shoot around 95?
On a standard course (Course Rating 72, Slope 113), a golfer who averages 95 usually has a Handicap Index of about 18 to 20. It is lower than your average because a handicap uses your best scores. See handicap if I shoot 95, or enter your real rounds above for an exact estimate.
How many rounds do I need for a handicap?
At least 3 rounds of 18 holes (or 9-hole rounds that add up). With 3 to 19 rounds, the World Handicap System uses fewer of your best scores and, for 3, 4 and 6 rounds, subtracts a small adjustment. With 20 rounds it averages your best 8.
Can I calculate my handicap without joining a club?
Yes, you can estimate it here for free, with no sign-up. An official Handicap Index needs membership of a club or a golf association; in the US that can be an online association membership rather than a course membership. See how to get an official golf handicap.
Is this an official Handicap Index?
No. It is an estimate that follows World Handicap System formulas, so you can track your progress and play fair games with friends. It is not valid for competitions. It also does not apply playing-condition adjustments automatically, the soft and hard caps, or hole-by-hole limits, so it can differ a little from an official index.
Where do I find the Course Rating and Slope?
They are printed on the scorecard for each set of tees, and often on a sign near the first tee. In the US you can also look them up in the USGA course rating database. If you do not know them, tick "I don't know the rating and slope" and we use a standard course, which is less accurate.
Does it work for 9-hole rounds?
Yes. Once you have an index, a 9-hole score is turned into an 18-hole Score Differential by adding an expected score for the other 9, as the 2024 rules do. Before you have an index, two 9-hole rounds are combined into one.
Why did my handicap go up after a good round?
Usually because an older good score dropped out of your most recent 20. Your index only uses your best scores from the last 20, so losing one of them can raise it even when you are playing well. More in why did my handicap go up.
Are my scores saved or uploaded?
They are saved only in this browser on this device. Nothing is uploaded and there is no account. Use Download backup to keep a copy or move your rounds to another device.