How To Calculate A Golf Handicap

Learning how to calculate a golf handicap is not too difficult.  Most will be content with consulting a free handicap index calculator.  However, others that would like to calculate a golf handicap themselves can use the following steps.  Read further to calculate the golf handicap by hand.

1. Figure the handicap differential for each round.  Use the following formula to calculate each round, where five to twenty scores are utilized: (Score - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating.  Of course you will need to look up the USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating; for reference, the 113 number accounts for the average slope rating.
2. Know how many differentials will be used.  You may only need to use a certain number of differentials depending on how many rounds are entered.  Consult the link provided so that you know how many differentials to use.  Once you know this number use the lowest differentials accordingly.  For instance, if you have entered six rounds, use only the lowest differential.
3. Average the differentials.  Average the differentials, adding up the numbers and dividing by the number of differentials used in the addition step.  This number will be needed in the next step.
4. Find the handicap index. Take your previous value from the fourth step and simple multiply by 96%, or .96.  Your handicap index will be the value you obtain, without using or rounding off on the tenths spot.
5. Get an official USGA handicap index.  The previous steps are only to estimate your handicap index.  Obtain an official handicap index from the USGA if you are so inclined.