Golf Handicap Calculator
Calculate your USGA World Handicap System (WHS) Handicap Index from your recent rounds. Uses the official Score Differential formula.
Enter your recent rounds (score, course rating, and slope rating). The calculator uses the USGA World Handicap System formula to determine your Handicap Index.
| # | Gross Score | Course Rating | Slope Rating | Differential | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | ||||
| 2 | — | ||||
| 3 | — | ||||
| 4 | — | ||||
| 5 | — |
Formula: Score Differential = (113 ÷ Slope) × (Score − Course Rating). Takes best of available differentials per USGA WHS guidelines. For official handicap purposes, use a licensed handicap service.
How the WHS Formula Works
Step 1: Score Differential
For example: Shot 84 on a course with Rating 71.5 and Slope 125: Differential = (113 ÷ 125) × (84 − 71.5) = 0.904 × 12.5 = 11.3
Step 2: Select Best Differentials
Sort all your Score Differentials from lowest (best) to highest. The number used depends on how many rounds you have:
Step 3: Handicap Index
Average the selected best differentials. Truncate (not round) to one decimal place. If your average is 14.87, your Handicap Index is 14.8 — not 14.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USGA World Handicap System (WHS)?
The WHS is the single global system for calculating golf handicaps, implemented in 2020. It replaced five separate systems used by golf organizations worldwide. Your Handicap Index allows you to compete equitably on any course in the world.
How is a Handicap Index calculated?
First, calculate Score Differentials for each round using: (113 ÷ Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Score − Course Rating). Then sort differentials from lowest to highest. Take the average of the best differentials based on how many rounds you have (8 of 20, 7 of 19-18, 6 of 17-16, etc.). The Handicap Index is this average, truncated (not rounded) to one decimal place.
What is a Course Rating?
The Course Rating (CR) is a number that evaluates the expected score of a scratch (0 handicap) golfer on a course. It typically falls between 67 and 77 for 18 holes. You can find it on your scorecard or the course's website.
What is a Slope Rating?
Slope Rating measures the relative difficulty of a course for a bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer. The standard Slope Rating is 113. A Slope of 120 is moderately difficult; 140+ is very difficult. You can find it on your scorecard alongside the Course Rating.
How many rounds do I need?
You need a minimum of 3 rounds to get an initial Handicap Index. However, more rounds produce a more accurate index. With 3–4 rounds, only the lowest 1 differential is used. With 5–6 rounds: lowest 1; 7–8: lowest 2; 9–10: lowest 3; 11–12: lowest 4; 13-14: lowest 5; 15-16: lowest 6; 17-18: lowest 7; 19+: lowest 8.
What is Course Handicap?
Your Handicap Index is a portable measure, but for a specific round you use a Course Handicap: (Handicap Index × Slope ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par). This tells you exactly how many strokes to deduct at that course for net scoring.