The Definition of a Bowling Handicap

A bowling handicap is a score adjustment used to equalize a playing field by adding a predetermined number of pins to a bowler's score. A bowler with a high average score will have a lower handicap number added to his total, while a bowler with a low average score will have a higher handicap number added to his total to even the gap between the two bowlers.

  1. Why It Is Used

    • A bowling handicap is used to help level the difference in skill and ability of bowlers bowling against each other.

    Base Average Score

    • A base average score is determined by taking a number higher than the highest average score. Typically, a base average score between 200 and 220 is used.

    Handicap Percentage

    • A handicap percentage is the percentage difference between a bowler's average score and the base average. A 100 percent handicap, or "full" handicap, is the highest percentage used and is the most beneficial to bowlers with a low average score.

    How to Calculate a Bowling Handicap

    • Determine your average bowling score. Take that score and subtract it from a base average score. Multiply that total by the handicap percentage to get your handicap score. Decimals are rounded to the nearest whole number.

    Team Handicaps

    • A bowling team handicap is determined by calculating the handicaps of each bowler and adding them together. That number is added to the team total score to get the handicap score.