Bowling Handicap Calculator
Level the playing field for your next league night
Your Bowling Handicap
Understanding Your Bowling Handicap
A bowling handicap is a way to equalize competition between bowlers of different skill levels. It acts as a scoring "bonus" added to a bowler's actual score (scratch score) to allow them to compete fairly against more experienced players.
The Handicap Formula
Most leagues use a simple percentage-based formula to determine your handicap:
Example Calculation
If you have an average of 160, and your league uses a basis score of 200 with a 90% factor:
- Subtract average from basis: 200 – 160 = 40
- Apply percentage: 40 x 0.90 = 36
- Result: Your handicap is 36 pins per game.
Why use a handicap?
Without a handicap, a beginner with a 120 average would never stand a chance against a veteran with a 210 average. With the handicap system, if both players bowl exactly their average, their total scores (Average + Handicap) would be equal, making the winner the person who performed better relative to their own standard.