Golf Handicap Index Calculator
Enter one or more rounds with the score, course rating and slope rating to compute each score differential and a handicap index. The index uses your best differentials, like the World Handicap System.
How to calculate a golf handicap
- Enter the score, course rating and slope rating for each round.
- Add more rounds to refine the index, which uses your best differentials.
- Read each score differential and the resulting handicap index.
Examples
One round of 85 on a 71.2 / 125 course
score 85, courseRating 71.2, slopeRating 125
Differential 12.5, handicap index 12.0
Frequently asked questions
How is a score differential calculated?
A score differential is (score minus course rating) times 113, divided by the slope rating, rounded to one decimal. The number 113 is the slope rating of a course of standard difficulty. For example, (85 - 71.2) x 113 / 125 = 12.5.
How is the handicap index calculated here?
This tool averages your lowest differentials, up to the best 8, then multiplies by 0.96 and rounds to one decimal. For example, a single 12.5 differential gives an index of 12.5 x 0.96 = 12.0.
What is the difference between course rating and slope rating?
Course rating is the expected score for a scratch golfer, while slope rating, from 55 to 155, measures how much harder the course plays for a bogey golfer. Both are printed on the scorecard for each set of tees.
Is this exactly the official World Handicap System?
It is a simplified version. Full WHS uses a sliding count of best differentials as your record grows, from 1 of 3 up to 8 of 20, plus extra adjustments. This tool uses the best 8 of however many rounds you enter, times 0.96, which closely tracks the official method.
Can a handicap differential be negative?
Yes. If you score below the course rating, the differential is negative, which can produce a plus handicap. The calculator handles negative differentials correctly.
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