Bowling Handicap Calculator
Your Handicap: 0
How to Calculate Your Bowling Handicap
A bowling handicap is a way to level the playing field for bowlers of different skill levels. It allows a lower-average bowler to compete fairly against a higher-average bowler by adding extra pins to their actual score (the "scratch" score).
The Standard Handicap Formula
The calculation is straightforward. Most leagues use a simple percentage-based formula:
Key Components Defined
- Your Average: This is the total number of pins you've knocked down divided by the total number of games you've played in the league.
- Baseline (Scratch) Score: This is a number set by the league that is higher than the highest bowler's average. Common baselines are 200, 210, or 220.
- Percentage Factor: This is the percentage of the difference used to calculate the handicap. Leagues typically use 80%, 90%, or 100%. Using 100% theoretically makes everyone equal, while 90% gives a slight edge to the higher-average bowler.
Example Calculation
Let's say you are joining a league with the following rules:
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
| Your Average | 160 |
| League Baseline | 210 |
| Percentage Factor | 90% |
- Subtract your average from the baseline: 210 – 160 = 50
- Multiply the difference by the percentage: 50 x 0.90 = 45
- Your handicap is 45 pins per game.
If you bowl a 155 in your next game, your "handicap score" would be 200 (155 + 45).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my average is higher than the baseline?
In most handicap leagues, your handicap would simply be 0. Most leagues do not use "negative handicaps" (subtracting pins from a high-average bowler), though you should check your specific league rules.
Does my handicap change?
Yes. In a league setting, your average is recalculated every week after you bowl. As your average goes up, your handicap will go down, and vice versa. This ensures the competition remains fair throughout the season.
Why do leagues use 90% instead of 100%?
Using 90% is very common because it rewards bowlers for improving their skill. If a league used 100%, every single bowler would mathematically tie if they all bowled exactly their average. The 90% factor encourages players to practice and increase their raw score ability.