Golf Handicap Calculator
Calculate your USGA Handicap Index from up to 20 rounds of golf
Add a Round
Adjusted Gross Score
Course Rating
Found on the scorecard (typically 67–77)
Slope Rating
On scorecard (standard = 113)
Handicap Index
Handicap Index
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Calculation
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Average Differential
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Round History (max 20)
| Score | Course (Rating/Slope) | Differential | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No rounds added yet | |||
How Handicap Index is Calculated
Score Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score − Course Rating) × 113 / Slope Rating. The Handicap Index is 0.96 × average of the lowest differentials from your last 20 rounds — the count used depends on rounds played (1 for 3–4 rounds, up to 8 for 20 rounds).
The 0.96 multiplier is an adjustment factor that accounts for the "best scores" method. The system rewards consistent improvement. Slope Rating (55–155, standard 113) measures course difficulty relative to a bogey golfer.
lightbulb Example
Score 92, Rating 71.2, Slope 128:
1Diff = (92−71.2)×113/128
2Diff = 20.8×0.883 = 18.4
✓ Differential: 18.4
quizFrequently Asked Questions
How is a golf handicap calculated?
The World Handicap System (WHS) uses your best 8 of your last 20 scores. Each score is converted to a Handicap Differential = (Adjusted Score − Course Rating) × 113 ÷ Slope Rating. The average of the best 8 differentials is multiplied by 0.96 to get your Handicap Index. Lower is better — scratch is 0, and most amateur golfers are between 10 and 30.
What is the difference between Course Rating and Slope Rating?
Course Rating is the expected score for a scratch golfer (e.g., 71.4 for a par-72 course). Slope Rating measures how much harder the course is for a bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer — it ranges from 55 to 155, with 113 as the standard. A higher slope means the course punishes high-handicap players more.
What is a net score in golf?
Net score = gross score − handicap strokes. If your handicap index is 15 on a course with a Course Handicap of 16, you subtract 16 from your gross score. Net scoring allows players of different ability levels to compete fairly — a 15-handicapper who shoots 87 has a net score of 71, the same as a scratch player who shoots 71.