Golf Handicap Calculator (WHS Handicap Index)
Enter up to 8 recent adjusted gross scores and how many you are using, plus the course rating, slope and par, to get a WHS handicap index and course handicap. All rounds are assumed to be played on the same course and tees.
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Formula
Score differential = (113 / slope) x (adjusted gross score - course rating), rounded to 0.1Handicap index = average of the lowest differentials + adjustment, rounded to 0.1, capped at 54.0Course handicap = index x slope / 113 + (course rating - par), rounded to a whole number
With a full record, the index is the average of the best 8 of the last 20 differentials. With fewer scores the World Handicap System uses this table:
| Scores | Differentials used | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | lowest 1 | -2.0 |
| 4 | lowest 1 | -1.0 |
| 5 | lowest 1 | 0 |
| 6 | lowest 2 | -1.0 |
| 7 to 8 | lowest 2 | 0 |
| 9 to 11 | lowest 3 | 0 |
| 12 to 14 | lowest 4 | 0 |
| 15 to 16 | lowest 5 | 0 |
| 17 to 18 | lowest 6 | 0 |
| 19 | lowest 7 | 0 |
| 20 | lowest 8 | 0 |
Worked example
Course rating 71.2, slope 125, par 72, so the factor is 113 / 125 = 0.904. Five rounds of 85, 90, 82, 88 and 95 give differentials 12.5, 17.0, 9.8, 15.2 and 21.5.
- Five scores use the lowest 1 with no adjustment, so the index is 9.8.
- Course handicap = 9.8 x 125 / 113 + (71.2 - 72) = 10.04, which rounds to 10.
Assumptions: all rounds use the same course and tees, scores are already adjusted gross scores, and no playing conditions or exceptional score adjustments are applied. This is an estimate; your national golf association issues the official index.
Frequently asked questions
How is a WHS handicap index calculated?
Each round gives a score differential = (113 / slope) x (adjusted gross score - course rating). Your index is the average of the best 8 of your last 20 differentials. With a 125 slope, 71.2 rating and a score of 85, the differential is 0.904 x 13.8 = 12.5.
What if I have fewer than 20 scores?
The World Handicap System uses a table: 3 scores use the lowest 1 with -2.0; 4 use the lowest 1 with -1.0; 5 use the lowest 1; 6 use the lowest 2 with -1.0; 7 to 8 use the lowest 2; 9 to 11 use the lowest 3; 12 to 14 use the lowest 4; 15 to 16 use the lowest 5; 17 to 18 use the lowest 6; 19 uses the lowest 7; 20 uses the lowest 8. You need at least 3 scores.
How do I get my course handicap from my index?
Course handicap = index x slope / 113 + (course rating - par), rounded to a whole number. An index of 9.8 on a 125 slope, 71.2 rating, par 72 course gives 9.8 x 1.106 - 0.8 = 10.
Why does this calculator only take 8 rounds?
It covers the common case of a new or returning golfer with up to 8 scores. For a full record of 20 scores, take the lowest 8 differentials and average them. This is an estimate: your national association also applies caps, exceptional score reductions and playing conditions adjustments, so your official index may differ.
How do you calculate a score differential in golf?
Score differential = (113 / slope) x (adjusted gross score - course rating). An 85 on a course rated 71.2 with slope 125 is 0.904 x 13.8 = 12.5.
What is a good golf handicap?
As a rule of thumb, a single-figure index is considered good and a scratch (0.0) player is very strong. Published averages for club golfers are in the mid teens for men and the high twenties for women.