HANDICAP TOOLS
Course Handicap Calculator and Playing Handicap
A Course Handicap converts an index into strokes for a specific course and tee. A Playing Handicap then applies the competition’s allowance. This calculator shows both values and their rounding steps.
Calculate strokes for your tees
Choose the named method and the exact tees. Course strokes and playing strokes have different purposes.
Enter your values or load the clearly labeled example to begin.
Keep your scoring record
Personal-use estimate. This tool does not issue an official handicap and cannot certify eligibility for a competition. Obtain your official handicap through your national association or affiliated club.
How to use this tool
- Choose standard 18-hole, U.S. nine-hole or the appropriate Australian Daily Handicap mode.
- Enter the index, Slope Rating, Course Rating and par for the tees you will play.
- Enter the organizer’s allowance where applicable and check the unrounded value before the final strokes.
How we calculate
Standard 18-hole course strokes = index × slope ÷ 113 + Course Rating − par. Apply any competition allowance to that unrounded value. U.S. nine-hole and Australian Daily Handicap have separate methods.
Worked example
Index 12.4, slope 130, Course Rating 72.4 and par 72 gives 14.6654… course strokes → 15. At a 95% allowance, 13.9321… → 14 playing strokes.
| Input or rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Standard 18 | Full index; final integer rounding |
| U.S. nine | Half index rounded to one decimal first |
| Australian 18 | 0.93 and category consistency factor |
| Australian nine | Half index, no intermediate rounding |
Limits and common mistakes
Choose the correct method, tees and competition allowance. The Australian modes include their own 0.93 and category consistency factors; do not apply a second generic allowance.
Model version: 2026-10-19. Reference: R&A course and playing handicap.
Frequently asked questions
Which allowance should I use?
Use the allowance specified by the competition organizer; the tool does not choose the format for you.
Why apply the allowance before rounding?
Applying it to an already-rounded Course Handicap can change the final number.
How do I enter a plus index?
Choose the plus-handicap option and enter its magnitude. The stored mathematical value is negative.
Can I halve an 18-hole playing result for nine holes?
Use the dedicated nine-hole method with the correct nine-hole ratings instead.
Do Australian Daily Handicaps use 95%?
The specified standard-singles Australian mode uses its own 0.93 factor and category factor, not a generic 95% allowance.