Enter your rounds with course rating and slope to estimate your handicap index.
Understanding the golf handicap calculation
This calculator estimates a golf handicap index from your rounds. For each round it computes a score differential, then averages your best differentials.
It’s a simplified estimate — official handicaps follow the full WHS rules.
Getting your answer
- Add a round with its score, course rating and slope.
- Add more rounds for a better estimate.
- Read your estimated handicap index.
The maths behind it
differential = (score − rating) × 113 ÷ slope
index ≈ average of best differentials × 0.96
The default scenario, worked through
On the values this calculator opens with, the handicap index is 14. Underneath, Rounds entered comes out at 3 and Best differential at 14.6. Change any field and every figure updates as you type.
Common questions
How is a golf handicap calculated?
Each round gives a differential from its score, rating and slope. Your handicap averages your best differentials.
What are rating and slope?
Course rating is the expected score for a scratch golfer; slope reflects difficulty for higher handicappers. Both are on the scorecard.
Is this an official handicap?
No — it’s a simplified estimate. Official indexes use the full World Handicap System calculation.