How to Calculate Bowling Handicap

A bowling handicap is a percentage of the difference between a bowler’s average score and a basis score that is higher than all bowlers in a league. Here’s how to calculate a bowling handicap.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bowl enough games to get an average score. In league bowling a starting bowler’s average is usually figured out after your first three games. The average is the total number of pins scored divided by the number of games played.

    • 2

      Find out what percentage handicap and basis score are used by a league you are interested in joining. A typical handicap is 90 pins with a basis score of 210 pins.

    • 3

      Subtract your average from the basis score. Then multiply that number by the handicap percentage to get your individual handicap. For example, if your average is 150 and the league handicap is 90% of 210, your handicap is 210 - 150 X .90 = 60 X .90 = 54 pins.