Bowling Average Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the bowling average calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Bowling Average Calculator

Formulas Used

Bowling Average

average = round(total_pins / games_played * 10) / 10

Pins Needed Next Game for Target

pins_needed = round(target_avg * (games_played + 1) - total_pins)

Average Pins per Frame

pins_per_frame = round(total_pins / games_played / 10 * 10) / 10

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
total_pinsTotal Pins Knocked Down2700
games_playedGames Played15
target_avgTarget Average200

How It Works

How Bowling Average Is Calculated

Formula

Bowling Average = Total Pins / Games Played

Benchmarks

  • Below 100: Beginner
  • 100-140: Casual bowler
  • 140-180: Recreational league
  • 180-210: Competitive league
  • 210-240: Advanced/semi-pro
  • 240+: Professional level

    • A perfect game is 300 pins. The PBA tour average is around 215-225.

    Worked Example

    A bowler has knocked down 2700 total pins in 15 games and wants a 200 average.

    total_pins = 2700games_played = 15target_avg = 200
    1. 01Average = 2700 / 15 = 180.0.
    2. 02Pins needed for 200 avg over 16 games = 200 x 16 - 2700 = 3200 - 2700 = 500.
    3. 03The bowler needs a 500 in the next game (impossible), so multiple good games are needed.
    4. 04Average pins per frame = 180 / 10 = 18.0.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Bowling Average Calculator