Golf handicap calculator
This golf handicap calculator works out your Handicap Index under the World Handicap System from your latest rounds, and the course handicap for a particular course. Ten rounds with scores between 86 and 95 give an index of 14.2, which is a course handicap of 15 on a course with a slope of 128.
Source: Wikipedia – World Handicap System (score differential 113/Slope × (AGS − Course Rating − PCC), best 8 of 20, maximum 54.0). Updated: .
How it is calculated
How to calculate a golf handicap
The World Handicap System (WHS) has applied worldwide since 2020. For each round a score differential is calculated: 113 ÷ slope rating × (adjusted gross score − course rating − PCC), rounded to one decimal. The Handicap Index is the average of the best 8 differentials from the last 20 rounds.
Fewer than 20 rounds
- 3 rounds: lowest differential − 2.0 · 4 rounds: lowest − 1.0 · 5 rounds: lowest
- 6 rounds: average of the lowest 2 − 1.0 · 7–8 rounds: lowest 2
- 9–11 rounds: lowest 3 · 12–14: lowest 4 · 15–16: lowest 5 · 17–18: lowest 6 · 19: lowest 7 · 20: lowest 8
Course handicap
For a specific course, take index × slope ÷ 113 + (course rating − par) and round to the nearest whole number. With index 14.2, slope 128, course rating 71.2 and par 72 that is 16.08 − 0.8 = 15.28, so 15.
What to enter
Use the adjusted gross score with the per-hole maximum (“net double bogey”). If you only know Stableford points, derive the score from them. Course rating and slope are on the scorecard. The PCC adjustment (the day’s playing conditions, usually 0) is optional.
Honest limits
Your official index is kept by your golf association or club. This calculator reproduces the basic formula, but not the WHS special rules: 9-hole rounds, exceptional score reduction and the soft and hard caps are not applied. The result is an estimate, not an official handicap.
Frequently asked questions
How is a golf handicap calculated?
From the score differentials of recent rounds: 113 ÷ slope × (score − course rating − PCC). The average of the best 8 of the last 20 differentials counts.
How do I calculate a handicap after 9 holes?
Under the WHS, 9-hole rounds are completed with an expected score to make an 18-hole differential. This calculator only handles 18-hole rounds.
How many rounds do I need for a Handicap Index?
At least 3. With 20 rounds the full scheme of the best 8 differentials applies.
What is the difference between Handicap Index and course handicap?
The index is your course-independent playing ability. The course handicap converts it to a specific course using slope, course rating and par.
What is the highest possible handicap?
The Handicap Index is capped at 54.0 in the WHS.
Sources and legal basis
- Wikipedia – World Handicap System (score differential 113/Slope × (AGS − Course Rating − PCC), best 8 of 20, maximum 54.0)
- Wikipedia – Handicap (golf): course handicap formula and tables of differentials used
As of: · Editorial policy
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