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USGA Handicap Index Calculator

Enter any number of recent rounds (score, course rating, slope) and get your WHS-compliant handicap index. Uses the best-8-of-last-20 method with 0.96 adjustment.

#Adjusted Gross ScoreCourse RatingSlope Rating
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How the WHS formula works

  1. For each round, compute: differential = (score − course rating) × 113 / slope
  2. Take the lowest 8 differentials from your most recent 20 rounds (fewer rounds use a smaller subset + soft-cap adjustment).
  3. Average them, multiply by 0.96, round to 1 decimal.

This calculator is for informational use. For an official handicap of record, post scores through a USGA-licensed provider like GHIN.

Handicap calculator FAQ

How is a USGA handicap index calculated?

The WHS formula takes the best 8 score differentials from your most recent 20 rounds, averages them, and multiplies by 0.96. For fewer than 20 rounds, a smaller subset is used with a soft-cap adjustment.

What is a score differential?

Score differential = (adjusted gross score − course rating) × 113 ÷ slope rating. It normalizes your round against course difficulty so rounds on different courses are comparable.

How many rounds do I need to establish a handicap?

Three rounds is the minimum. WHS applies a −2.0 adjustment at 3 rounds, −1.0 at 4, and tapers as you add more. With 20+ rounds your index reflects your "average of your best" rather than your peak.

Is this calculator WHS-compliant?

It implements the public WHS 2020+ calculation method: best-N-of-last-M differential averaging plus 0.96 and round-count soft caps. For an official handicap of record you still need to post scores through a USGA-licensed provider like GHIN.

What is adjusted gross score?

Your score with any hole-by-hole maximum caps applied (net double bogey under WHS). On a par 4 with a 15 handicap, the max is double bogey +1 = 7. For casual use, your actual score is close enough on any hole you finished in regulation.

Don't know your course's slope and rating? Search any of our 20,000+ courses — every tee set has USGA slope and rating listed.