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Handicap Index Calculator

Combine your recent rounds' Score Differentials into your official Handicap Index.

Informational only — not a substitute for official league statistics or professional judgment.

How it's calculated

Handicap Index = (average of your lowest N differentials + adjustment) × 0.96, truncated to 1 decimal N and the adjustment depend on how many scores you have (WHS Rule 5.1 table): 1-2 scores → use lowest 1, adjustment -2.0 3-4 scores → use lowest 1, adjustment -1.0 5 scores → use lowest 1, adjustment 0 6 scores → use lowest 2, adjustment -1.0 7-8 scores → use lowest 2, adjustment 0 9-11 scores → use lowest 3, adjustment 0 12-14 scores → use lowest 4, adjustment 0 15-16 scores → use lowest 5, adjustment 0 17-18 scores → use lowest 6, adjustment 0 19 scores → use lowest 7, adjustment 0 20 scores → use lowest 8, adjustment 0 Example: 6 differentials of 14.1, 16.8, 15.2, 19.0, 13.9, 17.5 Lowest 2 = 13.9, 14.1 → average 14.0, adjustment -1.0 → 13.0 × 0.96 = 12.48 → 12.4

Assumptions

  • Uses only the scores you enter (up to 20) — WHS itself looks at your most recent 20 rounds, so keep the list current as you play more.
  • Does not apply the separate Low Handicap Index cap WHS uses to limit how much a Handicap Index can rise after a run of high scores.

Source: USGA — World Handicap System, Rule 5.1

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get my Score Differentials?

Each Score Differential comes from one round: (113 ÷ Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score − Course Rating − PCC). Use our Score Differential Calculator to compute one for each round you've played, then enter them here.

Why does the number of differentials I use change with how many rounds I've played?

WHS phases in more data as it becomes available so a new golfer isn't stuck without a handicap: with only 1-4 scores it uses your single lowest differential (with a downward adjustment to offset the small sample), scaling up to your best 8 of your most recent 20 once you have a full scoring history.

Why multiply by 0.96?

The 96% factor reflects a golfer's demonstrated potential ability rather than their average round — WHS is intentionally built around your better rounds, not a straight average of everything you've shot.

Why is my Handicap Index truncated instead of rounded?

WHS specifies truncation (dropping the extra decimal) rather than rounding at the final step, so a computed value of 14.28 becomes a Handicap Index of 14.2, not 14.3. This tool follows that rule exactly.

Related tools

Course Handicap Calculator

Convert a Handicap Index into a Course Handicap for a specific course and tee, using the official World Handicap System formula.

Open tool →Score Differential Calculator

Calculate a golf round's Score Differential from Adjusted Gross Score, Course Rating, and Slope Rating, using the official World Handicap System formula.

Open tool →Scoring Average Calculator

Calculate a golfer's scoring average from total strokes and rounds played.

Open tool →