Golf Handicap Calculator
Free golf handicap calculator using World Handicap System (WHS). Calculate your handicap index, course handicap, and score differentials.
Your Rounds
3/20 roundsEstimates only. Training loads, paces and body-composition figures vary a lot between individuals, and none of this is medical or coaching advice. Talk to a professional before changing how you train.
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Calculate Your Golf Handicap Index
Use this calculator to determine your official golf handicap index following the World Handicap System (WHS) methodology. Track your score differentials and see how your handicap is calculated.
Understanding Golf Handicap
A handicap index is a measure of your playing ability based on recent scores. The World Handicap System uses your best score differentials to calculate an index that allows golfers of different abilities to compete fairly. Score differentials are calculated by comparing your score to the course difficulty.
Score Differential Formula
Differential = (113 ÷ Slope) × (Score - Course Rating)How to Use This Calculator
Enter your gross scores from recent rounds (minimum 3, maximum 20)
Add the course rating for each round (found on scorecard)
Add the slope rating for each round (found on scorecard)
The calculator uses your best differentials based on total rounds entered
View your handicap index and category
Check your course handicap for a standard 113-slope course
Score Requirements by Number of Rounds
3-5 Rounds
Uses lowest 1 differential with adjustment (-2.0 for 3 rounds, -1.0 for 4 rounds).
6-8 Rounds
Uses lowest 2 differentials (-1.0 adjustment for 6 rounds only).
9-11 Rounds
Uses lowest 3 differentials with no adjustment.
12-20 Rounds
Uses between 4-8 of your lowest differentials depending on total rounds.
Benefits of Tracking Your Handicap
Fair Competition
Handicaps level the playing field, allowing golfers of all skill levels to compete against each other fairly.
Track Progress
Monitor your improvement over time as your handicap decreases with better scores.
Course Handicap
Calculate appropriate strokes for any course based on its difficulty (slope rating).
Tournament Play
An official handicap is required for most club competitions and tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Course rating and slope rating are printed on the scorecard, usually near the tee information. They vary by tee box (men's, women's, senior, etc.).
Under the World Handicap System, the maximum handicap index is 54.0 for both men and women. This allows newer golfers to obtain a handicap.
Post scores after every round. The WHS updates handicaps after each round rather than on a fixed schedule, so your handicap reflects your current ability.
Handicap index is your portable rating. Course handicap adjusts your index for a specific course's difficulty (slope). Course Handicap = Index × (Slope ÷ 113) + (CR - Par).
Playing handicap is course handicap adjusted for competition format. In individual stroke play, it's typically 95% of course handicap. Different formats use different percentages.