Golf Handicap Calculator

A golf handicap index measures a golfer’s playing ability relative to the course rating, allowing players of different skill levels to compete fairly. The World Handicap System (WHS), adopted globally in 2020, standardized the calculation across all major handicapping authorities.

Formula: Score Differential = (Adjusted Gross Score − Course Rating) × 113 ÷ Slope Rating Handicap Index = Average of Best 8 Score Differentials (from last 20 rounds) × 0.96 Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) ± (Course Rating − Par) Net Score = Gross Score − Course Handicap

What each variable means:

• Adjusted Gross Score — your actual score with maximum hole scores applied (net double bogey cap per hole under WHS).
• Course Rating — the expected score for a scratch golfer (0 handicap) under normal conditions. Set by the national golf association.
• Slope Rating — a measure of relative difficulty for a bogey golfer vs. a scratch golfer. Standard is 113. Range: 55–155.
• 0.96 multiplier — a “playing conditions” adjustment to slightly compress handicap differences and reward better players.

Worked example: Golfer shoots 92 on a course with Rating 70.5 and Slope 125.

Score Differential = (92 − 70.5) × 113 ÷ 125 = 21.5 × 0.904 = 19.4

After 20 rounds, the golfer’s 8 best differentials average 17.8. Handicap Index = 17.8 × 0.96 = 17.1

Playing a new course with Slope 135, Rating 72.2, Par 72: Course Handicap = 17.1 × (135 ÷ 113) + (72.2 − 72) = 17.1 × 1.195 + 0.2 = 20.4 + 0.2 = 21 (rounded)

If the golfer shoots 95 gross, their net score = 95 − 21 = 74 — 2 over par net.

Minimum rounds required: You need at least 3 rounds to establish a handicap index. The WHS uses 1 differential for 3 rounds, up to all 8 of the best 8 for 20 rounds.

Maximum handicap index: 54.0 for all players (men and women) under the WHS.