Bowling Score CalculatorBowling Handicap Calculator
Enter your average, your league's basis score and percentage. Your handicap shows right away.
Common choices: 80%, 90% or 100%.
Handicap per game
54
- 3 game series
- Handicap score
- Enter a game
By the Bowling Score Calculator team · Checked against the USBC Playing Rules · Last updated October 20, 2026 · How we check our math
How do you calculate a bowling handicap?
Subtract your average from the basis score. Multiply the result by the league percentage. Drop any fraction. For example, with a 160 average in a league using 90% of 220: 220 minus 160 is 60, and 90% of 60 is 54. You add 54 pins to each game.
Handicap = (Basis score minus Average) × Percentage
This is the individual method in USBC Playing Rules, Rule 100d. The rule also says the percentage is 100% unless your league picks another, and that fractions are dropped.
Bowling handicap chart for 90% of 220
| Average | Handicap | Average | Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 108 | 160 | 54 |
| 110 | 99 | 170 | 45 |
| 120 | 90 | 180 | 36 |
| 130 | 81 | 190 | 27 |
| 140 | 72 | 200 | 18 |
| 150 | 63 | 210 | 9 |
Common league handicap settings
| Setting | Math | Handicap |
|---|---|---|
| 100% of 220 | 70 × 1.0 | 70 |
| 90% of 220 | 70 × 0.9 | 63 |
| 80% of 220 | 70 × 0.8 | 56 |
| 90% of 210 | 60 × 0.9 | 54 |
| 80% of 200 | 50 × 0.8 | 40 |
Your league secretary sets these numbers when the league adopts its rules. Ask for them if you are not sure.
Which average should you use?
For league play, use the average your league rules name. USBC Rule 108a says an average is total pins divided by games bowled, with fractions dropped for handicap. Work yours out with the bowling average calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is 90% of 220 handicap?
It means your handicap is 90% of the gap between 220 and your average. With a 160 average, the gap is 60 pins. 90% of 60 is 54, so you get 54 pins added to each game.
What percentage does USBC use for handicap?
Under USBC Rule 100d, a handicap league uses 100% unless the league adopts a different rule. Many leagues pick 80% or 90%. Your league rules set the basis score and the percentage.
Do you round a bowling handicap up?
No. USBC rules say fractions are dropped when you figure handicap or averages. A handicap of 29.6 counts as 29.
What if my average is higher than the basis score?
Then your handicap is 0. USBC suggests that leagues set the basis higher than the best average in the league, so every bowler gets some handicap.
How do I find a team handicap?
With the individual method, which USBC calls the most effective, you add up each bowler's handicap. Use this calculator for each player, then add the results.