Golf Handicap Calculator
Calculate your USGA Golf Handicap Index from your recent rounds. The handicap reflects your scoring ability for fair competition.
Recent Rounds (up to 20)
Course Handicap (optional)
How to use the Golf Handicap Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Golf Handicap Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The USGA handicap calculation
Score Differential = (Score − Course Rating) × 113 / Slope · · · Index = average of best 8 of last 20 differentials
Each round produces a Score Differential adjusted for the difficulty of the course played. The Handicap Index is the average of the lowest 8 of your most recent 20 differentials.
Worked example
A round of 90 on a course with rating 70.5 and slope 125: differential = (90 − 70.5) × 113/125 = 17.6. If your best 8 of recent 20 average 16.2, your handicap index is 16.2.
Frequently asked questions
How is course handicap different from index?
Index is the portable, course-independent number. Course Handicap = Index × (Slope/113) + (Course Rating − Par) — the actual strokes you receive on a specific course.
How many rounds do I need to establish a handicap?
Minimum 3 rounds; the system needs 20 rounds for full accuracy. The system uses your best rounds (low 8 of 20), so consistency matters more than peak performance.
What is a "good" handicap?
Scratch (0) is highly skilled; single digits are very good amateurs. The average US male golfer has a handicap of about 14; the average woman about 26.