Golf Handicap Calculator
Calculate your golf handicap index from recent scores using the World Handicap System formula.
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How to use this calculator
The World Handicap System calculates a differential for each round. The handicap index is 96% of the average of the lowest differentials (1 for 1 round, up to 8 for 20 rounds).
- 1
Enter your gross score from each round.
- 2
Enter the course rating and slope rating from the scorecard (usually printed on the card).
- 3
Leave Score 2–5 as 0 to skip those rounds.
- 4
Read your Handicap Index calculated using the World Handicap System formula.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good golf handicap?
Handicap indexes are relative to par. A scratch golfer has a handicap of 0. A handicap of 18 means you average 18 over par. The world average is around 14–16 for male players. Any handicap below 10 is considered good.
Where do I find course rating and slope rating?
Course rating and slope rating are printed on the scorecard and posted at the first tee. They are also available in club handicap systems and websites like the USGA Course Database or Golf Australia's course database.
How many rounds do I need to establish a handicap?
The World Handicap System requires a minimum of 54 holes (typically 3 rounds of 18 holes) to establish an initial handicap index. Some golf bodies accept as few as 1 round for an initial estimate.
Golf Handicap Calculator — World Handicap System (WHS)
How the World Handicap System Works
The WHS calculates a Score Differential for each round: (Score − Course Rating) × 113 / Slope Rating. Your Handicap Index is 96% of the average of your lowest differentials — the number used depends on how many rounds you have entered.
Course Rating vs Slope Rating
Course Rating is the expected score for a scratch golfer under normal conditions. Slope Rating (55–155, standard 113) measures the relative difficulty for a bogey golfer compared with a scratch golfer. A higher slope means the course penalises higher-handicap golfers more.
Playing Handicap vs Handicap Index
Your Handicap Index is your portable, portable measure of ability. Your Course Handicap (playing handicap) adjusts the index for the specific course and tees you play: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × Slope / 113 + (Course Rating − Par).
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial, medical, legal, or technical advice. Read full disclaimer →