Bowling Handicap Calculator
Our bowling handicap calculator helps analyzes a bowler’s average performance and calculates a handicap score that levels the playing field.
Bowling Handicap Formula
The calculation method employs a precise formula:
(Basis Score - Bowler's Average) × Percentage = HandicapThe basis score, typically set at 200 or 220, represents the theoretical perfect bowler’s average.
The handicap percentage usually ranges from 80% to 100%, depending on league specifications.
If novice bowler James has a 150 average, competing in a league using a 200 basis score and 90% handicap:
(200 - 150) × 90% = 45 pins handicap per gameBowler
- Current Average: 165
- League Basis Score: 220
- Handicap Percentage: 80% Final Calculation: (220 – 165) × 80% = 44 pins handicap
Bowler
- Starting Average: 145
- Standard Basis: 200
- League Percentage: 90% Final Calculation: (200 – 145) × 90% = 49.5 pins handicap (rounded to 50)
Bowling Handicap Calculation Chart
| Average | 80% of 220 | 80% of 200 | 80% of 230 | 90% of 200 | 90% of 210 | 90% of 220 | 90% of 230 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 96 | 80 | 104 | 90 | 99 | 108 | 117 |
| 110 | 88 | 72 | 96 | 81 | 90 | 99 | 108 |
| 120 | 80 | 64 | 88 | 72 | 81 | 90 | 99 |
| 130 | 72 | 56 | 80 | 63 | 72 | 81 | 90 |
| 140 | 64 | 48 | 72 | 54 | 63 | 72 | 81 |
| 150 | 56 | 40 | 64 | 45 | 54 | 63 | 72 |
| 160 | 48 | 32 | 56 | 36 | 45 | 54 | 63 |
| 170 | 40 | 24 | 48 | 27 | 36 | 45 | 54 |
| 180 | 32 | 16 | 40 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| 190 | 24 | 8 | 32 | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 |
| 200 | 16 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 9 | 18 | 27 |
| 210 | 8 | – | 16 | – | 0 | 9 | 18 |
| 220 | 0 | – | 8 | – | – | 0 | 9 |
| 230 | – | – | 0 | – | – | – | 0 |
How to figure out bowling handicap
Start by establishing your average by totaling your accumulated scores and dividing by the total games played. Then apply the league’s parameters to determine your personal handicap.
- Total Pin Count: 3,360 over 21 games
- Current Average: 3,360 ÷ 21 = 160
- League Standard: 200
- Applied Percentage: 90% Final Handicap: (200 – 160) × 90% = 36 pins
What does 100% handicap mean in bowling?
A 100% handicap allocation represents the complete difference between a bowler’s average and the established basis score.
This maximum compensation system helps developing players remain competitive while they improve their technical skills.
In a full handicap system, a bowler averaging 140 in a league with a 200 basis would receive all 60 pins difference as their handicap.
What is Bowling Handicap?
A bowling handicap is a calculated numerical advantage given to lower-average bowlers, designed to create fair competition against more skilled players. This scoring adjustment typically uses a mathematical formula based on the difference between a bowler’s current average and a basis score (usually 200 or 220), multiplied by a handicap percentage (commonly 80-100%).