About the Bowling Handicap Calculator
This bowling handicap calculator works out the pins a league adds to your scratch score so bowlers of different abilities can compete fairly. Enter your current average, your league’s basis score (commonly 200, 210, 220 or 230) and its percentage factor (commonly 80%, 90% or 100%), and it returns your handicap per game and for a full series.
Add a scratch game score to see your handicapped total, and choose the number of games in a series (usually three) to see the series handicap. It is useful for league secretaries checking standings, new league bowlers wondering why their score was adjusted, and anyone comparing what different league rules would give them.
Handicap rules are set by each league, so check your league rules for the basis, percentage, whether fractions are dropped, and any cap or maximum. By USBC convention and in most leagues, fractions are dropped and a bowler averaging at or above the basis gets zero handicap.
With the default inputs, the handicap per game is 63 pins. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the bowling handicap calculator
- 1Enter your current league average.
- 2Enter your league’s basis score and percentage factor.
- 3Set the number of games in a series.
- 4Optionally enter a scratch game to see your handicap total.
- 5Read the handicap per game and per series.
Formula and method
Percentage-of-difference handicap is the most common league method. Subtract your average from the basis score, multiply by the league’s percentage, and drop any fraction. If your average is at or above the basis the handicap is zero, never negative. The series handicap is the per-game handicap multiplied by the number of games bowled.
A higher basis or higher percentage gives lower-average bowlers more pins. Leagues use the average from the previous season or a running average after a set number of games, so your handicap can change week to week. Some leagues also cap the handicap or use different bases for men and women.
- Basis
- League basis score, e.g. 200, 210, 220 or 230
- Average
- Your established average (whole pins)
- Percentage factor
- Share of the difference awarded, e.g. 80%, 90%, 100%
Worked examples
150 average, 90% of 220
220 − 150 = 70 pins, and 90% of 70 is 63, so you get 63 pins a game or 189 for a three-game series. A 165 scratch game becomes 228 with handicap.
172 average, 80% of 210
210 − 172 = 38, and 80% of 38 = 30.4, which drops to 30 pins. Over three games that is 90 pins of handicap.
205 average, basis 200
The average is above the basis, so the handicap is zero and the scratch score of 220 stands.
Frequently asked questions
How is bowling handicap calculated?+
Most leagues subtract your average from a basis score and multiply by a percentage. With a 220 basis at 90% and a 160 average, the handicap is (220 − 160) × 0.9 = 54 pins per game.
What basis and percentage do most leagues use?+
Common combinations are 90% of 220, 80% of 210, 90% of 230 and 100% of 200 or 220. The league sets them at the start of the season, so check your league rules.
Are fractions rounded in bowling handicap?+
Fractions are normally dropped, not rounded, so a calculated 30.9 becomes 30. Turn off the drop-fractions toggle to see the exact unrounded value.
Can a bowling handicap be negative?+
No. If your average equals or exceeds the basis score your handicap is zero; scratch-only or reverse-handicap formats are separate league options.
What average is used for my handicap?+
Usually your highest average from the previous season, then your current league average once you have bowled the number of games your league requires. Bowlers with no established average often use an entering average or bowl their first games without handicap.