Golf Handicap Index Calculator
Calculate your Handicap Index based on the World Handicap System (WHS) using your score differentials or individual round scores
Enter between 3 and 20 of your most recent score differentials. Leave unused fields empty.
Enter your adjusted gross score, course rating, and slope rating for each round. We'll calculate the differentials for you.
Handicap Index
Differentials Used
of submitted
Low / High Differential
Score Differentials (sorted lowest to highest)
Green = used in calculation · Gray = excluded
Course Handicap Estimator
Enter a course's Slope Rating and Par to see your playing handicap for that course.
Course Handicap
Expected Score (approx.)
About the Golf Handicap Index
The Handicap Index is a measure of a golfer's demonstrated ability calculated against the Slope Rating of a standard-difficulty course (Slope 113). It was unified worldwide in 2020 under the World Handicap System (WHS), developed jointly by the USGA and The R&A. A lower Handicap Index indicates a better golfer.
Key Formulas
- Score Differential = (113 / Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score − Course Rating)
- Handicap Index = Average of the best score differentials (see table below), truncated to one decimal
- Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating − Par)
How Many Differentials Are Used?
| Rounds Available | Differentials Used | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Lowest 1 | −2.0 |
| 4 | Lowest 1 | −1.0 |
| 5 | Lowest 1 | 0 |
| 6 | Lowest 2 | −1.0 |
| 7 – 8 | Lowest 2 | 0 |
| 9 – 11 | Lowest 3 | 0 |
| 12 – 14 | Lowest 4 | 0 |
| 15 – 16 | Lowest 5 | 0 |
| 17 – 18 | Lowest 6 | 0 |
| 19 | Lowest 7 | 0 |
| 20 | Lowest 8 | 0 |
Handicap Index Benchmarks
- +2.0 or better - Tour / Elite Amateur
- 0.0 – 4.9 - Scratch / Low Handicapper
- 5.0 – 9.9 - Single Digit (Very Good)
- 10.0 – 14.9 - Mid Handicapper
- 15.0 – 19.9 - Average Recreational Golfer
- 20.0 – 29.9 - High Handicapper
- 30.0+ - Beginner
Understanding Key Terms
Course Rating
- • The expected score for a scratch golfer (0 handicap)
- • Measured to one decimal (e.g. 72.3)
- • Determined by an authorized rating team
- • Accounts for course length and obstacles
Slope Rating
- • Measures relative difficulty for bogey vs. scratch golfers
- • Range: 55 (easiest) to 155 (hardest)
- • Standard / neutral slope = 113
- • Higher slope = harder for higher-handicap players
Score Differential
- • Normalizes your score against course difficulty
- • Formula: (113 / Slope) × (Score − CR)
- • Lower differentials = better rounds
- • Only your best differentials count toward your index
World Handicap System (WHS)
The World Handicap System was introduced on January 1, 2020, unifying six separate handicap systems used around the world into a single set of rules. It is governed jointly by the USGA and The R&A.
Key Features of WHS:
- Uses the best 8 of your 20 most recent score differentials (when 20 are available)
- A soft cap (+3.0) and hard cap (+5.0) above your low Handicap Index prevent rapid upward movement
- Maximum Handicap Index is 54.0 for both men and women, making the game more inclusive
- 9-hole scores can be combined into 18-hole equivalents for calculation
- Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) adjusts differentials daily for abnormal weather or course conditions
- Allows golfers from different countries to compete fairly worldwide
References
The formulas and rules used in this calculator are based on official documentation from these governing bodies:
Related Calculators
Note: This calculator provides an estimate of your Handicap Index based on the World Handicap System formulas. Official handicaps are maintained by authorized golf associations and may include additional adjustments such as Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC), exceptional score reductions, and soft/hard caps that are not fully replicated here. For an official Handicap Index, register with your national golf association.
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