Golf Handicap Calculator

    Enter your handicap index and the tee you are playing. We work out your course handicap and the playing handicap after your competition allowance — the same maths Fourball uses during a live round.

    Course handicap
    17
    Playing handicap at 100%
    17

    How the maths works

    Course handicap = handicap index × (slope ÷ 113) + (course rating − par), rounded to the nearest whole number.

    Playing handicap = course handicap × allowance, rounded again. On 9 holes the index is halved first.

    Common questions

    How do you work out a course handicap?

    Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par), rounded to the nearest whole number. Your playing handicap then applies the competition allowance, for example 95% in singles Stableford.

    What is the difference between handicap index and playing handicap?

    Your handicap index is portable and does not change from course to course. The course handicap converts it for the tees you are playing, and the playing handicap applies the competition allowance on top.

    What allowance should I use?

    Singles Stableford is commonly 95%, fourball better ball 85%, and friendly games often 100%. Check with your organiser or club before the round.

    Does this work for 9 holes?

    Yes. Switch to 9 holes and the calculator halves your handicap index before converting it, which is how 9-hole rounds are handled.

    Let Fourball do this for every player

    Set up a round in 30 seconds and every player's playing handicap and Stableford points are worked out automatically on a live leaderboard.

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    Also useful: Stableford points calculator · Stableford scoring explained