Golf Score and Handicap Calculator
Calculate your golf handicap index from score differentials, course rating, and slope rating.
Uses the World Handicap System for an accurate playing handicap.
Golf scoring is built around par — the number of strokes an expert player is expected to take on each hole or across the full round. Understanding scoring terminology and the mathematics of handicaps transforms the game from confusing numbers into a clear picture of performance.
Scoring terminology relative to par:
- Eagle = 2 strokes under par on a hole (e.g., 3 on a par-5)
- Birdie = 1 stroke under par (e.g., 3 on a par-4)
- Par = the standard score for a hole
- Bogey = 1 stroke over par
- Double Bogey = 2 over par
- Triple Bogey = 3 over par
Course par formula: Course Par = Σ(Par for each of the 18 holes) Typical 18-hole course par: 70, 71, or 72.
- Par-3 holes: 3 shots expected, typically under 250 yards
- Par-4 holes: 4 shots expected, typically 251–450 yards
- Par-5 holes: 5 shots expected, typically over 451 yards
Score relative to par: Score to Par = Gross Score − Course Par A score of 79 on a par-72 course = +7 (7 over par)
Handicap formula (simplified): Net Score = Gross Score − Course Handicap Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113)
- Handicap Index — your portable measure of ability across different courses (lower = better).
- Slope Rating — difficulty of a course for a bogey golfer vs. scratch golfer. Average slope = 113.
- Course Rating — expected score for a scratch golfer on that specific course.
Worked example: Golfer shoots 88 on a par-72 course (slope 125, rating 70.5). Handicap Index = 14.2. Course Handicap = 14.2 × (125 ÷ 113) = 14.2 × 1.106 = 15.7 → round to 16 Net Score = 88 − 16 = 72 (even par net — excellent round!)
Stableford scoring (alternative format): Points are awarded per hole: Eagle=4, Birdie=3, Par=2, Bogey=1, Double Bogey=0. Higher score wins (opposite of stroke play). Used in many recreational tournaments.