Golf Handicap Calculator
Estimate a handicap index from your recent score differentials.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
A simplified estimate averages the selected number of lowest entered Score Differentials, rounded to one decimal, then estimates Course Handicap using the entered Course Rating, Slope Rating, and par. It is not an official WHS Handicap Index: the tool does not apply the full score-count rules, caps, or playing-conditions adjustments.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Score differentials, separated by commas 14.2, 16.8, 12.5, 18.1, 15.3, 13.9, 17.4, 11.8, 16.2, 14.7, 19.5, 12.9, 15.8, 13.1, 17.9, 14.4, 16.6, 12.2, 18.7, 15.1 · Lowest differentials to average 8 · Course rating 71.5 · Slope rating 125 · Course par 72 Simplified differential average 13.1 · Average of counted rounds 13.13 · Rounds actually counted 8 · Best differential 11.8 · Estimated course handicap 14 · Differentials provided 20
Method and assumptions
HI = round(10 × mean(d₍₁₎,…,d₍ₙ₎)) ÷ 10; CH = round(HI × S ÷ 113 + CR − P) This is a simplified illustration, not an official WHS Handicap Index calculation. WHS uses specific score-differential rules, round-count adjustments, caps, and current playing conditions; verify with your golf association. A simplified estimate averages the selected number of lowest entered Score Differentials, rounded to one decimal, then estimates Course Handicap using the entered Course Rating, Slope Rating, and par. It is not an official WHS Handicap Index: the tool does not apply the full score-count rules, caps, or playing-conditions adjustments. The references provide context and limitations. They do not validate this page’s illustrative multipliers, lookup values or predictions.
Data sources
The references provide context and limitations. They do not validate this page’s illustrative multipliers, lookup values or predictions.
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates for information and entertainment. Platform algorithms, metrics and definitions change without notice, and none of these results are official figures from the platforms named.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
HI = round(10 × mean(d₍₁₎,…,d₍ₙ₎)) ÷ 10; CH = round(HI × S ÷ 113 + CR − P)
- d_(i)
- n smallest score differentials, sorted ascending
- n
- Number of rounds counted
- HI
- Handicap index
- S
- Slope rating
- CR
- Course rating
- P
- Course par
This is a simplified illustration, not an official WHS Handicap Index calculation. WHS uses specific score-differential rules, round-count adjustments, caps, and current playing conditions; verify with your golf association.
Frequently asked questions
How does this differ from an official WHS Handicap Index?
This estimate averages the selected number of lowest entered Score Differentials and rounds the result to one decimal; the old 0.96 multiplier has been removed. Course Handicap is estimated as Index × Slope ÷ 113 + (Course Rating − Course Par), rounded to a whole stroke. Official WHS calculations also apply score-count rules, caps, and playing-condition adjustments.
How is Course Handicap estimated?
The estimate uses Index × Slope Rating ÷ 113 + (Course Rating − Course Par), rounded to a whole stroke. This simplified tool assumes that the entered differential average is the index and does not apply all official WHS rules.
Which inputs and limits apply to Golf Handicap Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Lowest differentials to average: 1–20; Course rating: 50–80; Slope rating: 55–155; Course par: 54–81 HI = round(10 × mean(d₍₁₎,…,d₍ₙ₎)) ÷ 10; CH = round(HI × S ÷ 113 + CR − P) This is a simplified illustration, not an official WHS Handicap Index calculation. WHS uses specific score-differential rules, round-count adjustments, caps, and current playing conditions; verify with your golf association. A simplified estimate averages the selected number of lowest entered Score Differentials, rounded to one decimal, then estimates Course Handicap using the entered Course Rating, Slope Rating, and par. It is not an official WHS Handicap Index: the tool does not apply the full score-count rules, caps, or playing-conditions adjustments. The references provide context and limitations. They do not validate this page’s illustrative multipliers, lookup values or predictions.
What is a complete worked example for Score differentials, separated by commas = 14.2, 16.8, 12.5, 18.1, 15.3, 13.9, 17.4, 11.8, 16.2, 14.7, 19.5, 12.9, 15.8, 13.1, 17.9, 14.4, 16.6, 12.2, 18.7, 15.1; Lowest differentials to average = 8?
Inputs: Score differentials, separated by commas = 14.2, 16.8, 12.5, 18.1, 15.3, 13.9, 17.4, 11.8, 16.2, 14.7, 19.5, 12.9, 15.8, 13.1, 17.9, 14.4, 16.6, 12.2, 18.7, 15.1; Lowest differentials to average = 8; Course rating = 71.5; Slope rating = 125; Course par = 72. Calculation: HI = round(10 × mean(d₍₁₎,…,d₍ₙ₎)) ÷ 10; CH = round(HI × S ÷ 113 + CR − P). Results: Simplified differential average = 13.1; Average of counted rounds = 13.13; Rounds actually counted = 8; Best differential = 11.8; Estimated course handicap = 14; Differentials provided = 20.