Calculate Your Golf Handicap Index
Use our Golf Handicap Calculator to determine your official handicap index using the World Handicap System. Enter your recent scores, course ratings, and slope ratings to get an accurate handicap calculation that reflects your current playing ability.
Golf Handicap Calculator
Handicap of Course Calculator
Use this calculator to find out the handicap of a golfer for a specific course.
Index of Handicap Calculator
Use this calculator to compute the index of handicap for a golfer given data from at least 54 holes (3 rounds) of 18-holes of playing data. When filling the form, please provide either an 18-hole or 9-hole score. Do not provide both. The playing condition adjustment is an optional value between -1 and 3. If left blank, it will be treated as 0.
| Round | Rating of Course | Rating of Course Slope | 18-hole Score | 9-hole Score | Playing Condition Adjustment | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round #1 | ||||||
| Round #2 | ||||||
| Round #3 | ||||||
| Round #4 | ||||||
| Round #5 | ||||||
| Round #6 |
Golf Handicap Guide
What is a Golf Handicap Index?
A Handicap Index is a measure of your potential playing ability on a course of standard difficulty. It's calculated using your best scores from recent rounds and allows players of different skill levels to compete on an equal basis.
How is it Calculated?
The calculation uses the World Handicap System formula: your best 8 score differentials from your most recent 20 rounds. Score Differential = (113 ÷ Slope Rating) × (Score - Course Rating). For fewer than 20 rounds, different calculations apply.
What Do I Need?
You need at least 3 recent 18-hole scores, along with the Course Rating and Slope Rating for each course played. These ratings can be found on the USGA Course Rating database or at the golf course itself.
Course Rating vs Slope Rating
Course Rating measures difficulty for a scratch golfer (0 handicap). Slope Rating measures relative difficulty for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers. Slope ranges from 55 (easiest) to 155 (hardest).
What's a Good Handicap?
Scratch Golfer: 0 handicap
Single Digit: 1-9 (excellent)
Bogey Golfer: 18-20 (average)
High Handicap: 20+ (beginner)
Maximum handicap is 54.0
How Often to Update?
Your handicap should be updated after each round. The World Handicap System requires updates no later than the day after a score is submitted. Regular play helps maintain an accurate handicap that reflects your current ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rounds do I need to calculate a handicap?
You need a minimum of 3 rounds (54 holes) to establish an initial handicap index. For the most accurate calculation, you should have 20 recent rounds. The system uses your best 8 scores from your most recent 20 rounds.
Where can I find Course Rating and Slope Rating?
Course and Slope ratings are available on the USGA Course Rating Database, on the golf course scorecard, or posted near the first tee. These ratings are different for each set of tees at each course.
What if I have more than 20 rounds?
When you have 20 or more rounds, the system automatically uses your 8 best score differentials from your most recent 20 rounds. Older rounds beyond the most recent 20 are not included in the calculation.
What is an Exceptional Score?
An exceptional score is one that's 7.0 strokes or better than your current handicap index. When this happens, your handicap may be reduced immediately to better reflect your improved playing ability.