Bowling Handicap Calculator

Calculate your bowling handicap based on your average, the basis score, and handicap percentage used by your league.

%

Handicap per Game

50 pins

Handicap Score (if you bowl your avg)215
Gap from Basis55 pins

Handicap per Game vs Your Average

How Bowling Handicap Is Calculated

Formula

Handicap = (Basis Score - Your Average) x Handicap Percentage

Common League Settings

  • Basis Score: Usually 200, 210, or 220. This is the theoretical "perfect" average for the league.
  • Handicap Percentage: Usually 80-100%, with 90% being the most common. A higher percentage gives lower-average bowlers more pins.
  • Purpose

    Handicap levels the playing field so bowlers of different skill levels can compete fairly in leagues and tournaments.

    Example Calculation

    Calculate handicap for a bowler with a 165 average, basis 220, 90% handicap.

    1. 01Gap from basis = 220 - 165 = 55 pins.
    2. 02Handicap = 55 x 90% = 55 x 0.9 = 49.5, rounded to 50 pins.
    3. 03If the bowler bowls their average (165), the handicap score = 165 + 50 = 215.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn More

    Understanding Batting Average - A Complete Guide to Baseball's Key Stat

    Learn how batting average is calculated, what makes a good average, and how it compares to modern baseball statistics like OBP and OPS.

    Related Calculators