Golf Handicap Calculator
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Handicap differential = (score − course rating) × 113 ÷ slope rating, and your handicap index is the average of the lowest differentials across your rounds.
Enter a single score to get one round's differential, or several scores to get a WHS-based handicap index estimate.
Handicap input
Handicap index (estimate)
0.0
| Round | Score | Differential |
|---|---|---|
| Average of used differentials | ||
This result is a reference estimate. An official handicap index is issued only after you submit scores to an official system such as GHIN or the USGA through an authorized club.
How to use
- Enter scores — Enter your adjusted gross score for each round. Multiple rounds can be separated by commas or line breaks.
- Enter course and slope rating — Enter the course rating (typically 67-77) and slope rating (55-155, standard 113) for the tees you played.
- View the result — Press Calculate to see each round's handicap differential and an average-based handicap index in a table.
How to calculate a golf handicap (formula)
A handicap index is a measure of ability that normalizes scores shot on different courses to a standard difficulty so they can be compared. First you compute a handicap differential for each round, then average the lowest differentials across your rounds to get your handicap index.
| Item | Formula |
|---|---|
| Handicap differential | (score − course rating) × 113 ÷ slope rating |
| Handicap index | Average of the lowest N differentials (lowest 8 of up to 20 rounds) |
| Course handicap | handicap index × (slope ÷ 113) + (course rating − par) |
Under the World Handicap System (WHS), the number of differentials averaged depends on how many rounds you submit. For example, 3 rounds use the lowest 1, 6 rounds use the lowest 2, and 20 rounds use the lowest 8. The table below shows the count by number of rounds.
| Rounds submitted | Differentials used |
|---|---|
| 1 - 3 | Lowest 1 |
| 4 - 5 | Lowest 1 |
| 6 - 8 | Lowest 2 |
| 9 - 11 | Lowest 3 |
| 12 - 14 | Lowest 4 |
| 15 - 16 | Lowest 5 |
| 17 - 18 | Lowest 6 |
| 19 | Lowest 7 |
| 20 or more | Lowest 8 |
New to handicaps? See the Understanding Golf Handicap guide for a deeper look at differential, index, and course handicap.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How is the handicap differential calculated?
Handicap differential = (adjusted gross score − course rating) × 113 ÷ slope rating. The value 113 is the standard slope rating, which normalizes course difficulty to a standard level of difficulty.
How does the handicap index average the differentials?
Under the World Handicap System (WHS), the handicap index is the average of the lowest 8 of your most recent 20 round differentials. If you have fewer rounds, the number used scales with how many you submit. This calculator averages the lowest differentials per the WHS count for the number of rounds you enter.
What does a slope rating of 113 mean?
Slope rating represents course difficulty for a bogey golfer and ranges from 55 to 155, with 113 being the standard value. A slope above 113 indicates a harder course, while a lower slope indicates an easier one.
Is course handicap different from handicap index?
Yes. The handicap index is a player's portable measure of ability, while the course handicap is the actual number of strokes you receive on a specific course and tee. Course handicap = handicap index × (slope rating ÷ 113) + (course rating − par).
Does this calculator produce an official handicap?
No. This calculator is a reference estimate. An official handicap index is issued only after you submit scores to an official system such as GHIN or the USGA through an authorized club. Some adjustments such as PCC (Playing Conditions Calculation) are not applied.
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Understanding Golf Handicap
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Last updated: 2026-06-25