How Bowling Handicap Works (90% of 220, Explained)
League · Handicap · Updated 2026-07-10
Handicap is how a 145-average bowler and a 200-average bowler compete on the same pair. The league adds pins to the lower average's score - calculated, not charity.
The formula is two steps, and "90% of 220" is the most common flavor.
The formula
Handicap per game = (Basis score − your average) × percentage. The basis is set safely above the league's best bowler (usually 210, 220, or 230); the percentage (usually 80-100%) decides how completely the gap is erased. Negative results round to zero - nobody bowls with a deficit.
| Your average | 220 − avg | × 90% = handicap |
|---|---|---|
| 140 | 80 | 72 |
| 160 | 60 | 54 |
| 175 | 45 | 40 (40.5 rounds down) |
| 190 | 30 | 27 |
| 210 | 10 | 9 |
| 220+ | 0 | 0 |
Fractions almost always drop (160.7 average is used as 160; 40.5 handicap becomes 40) - but that's a league-rule detail worth checking. A 160 bowler shooting 190 posts 190 + 54 = 244 with handicap, enough to beat a 200-average bowler's flat 235.
Why 90% and not 100%?
- 100% erases the average gap completely - then the better bowler has no edge for being better, and sandbagging (hiding your true average) pays off maximally.
- 90% leaves skill worth 10% - the higher-average bowler keeps a small, earned advantage.
- 80% leagues lean further toward rewarding scratch ability. It's a culture dial, set in the league bylaws.
- Team handicap is just the sum of the roster's individual handicaps (some leagues compute it on team average - same math, bigger numbers).
Let the app carry the sheet
Set your league's basis and percentage once and Bowling Score Keeper & Tracker computes handicap from your real, current average - shown right on the scorecard ("+15 hcp = 273"). League tools add captain standings, a full handicap sheet for the roster, position rounds, and Baker/team scoring, with per-league average splits so your Tuesday house average doesn't pollute your sport-shot league.
USBC-style handicap, automatic. Your average, your league's basis and percentage, zero mental math on league night. Free on the App Store. Download Bowling Score Keeper & Tracker on the App Store.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my bowling handicap with a 150 average?
In a 90% of 220 league: (220 − 150) × 0.90 = 63 pins per game. Over a three-game series you'd carry 189 pins of handicap.
What does '90% of 220' mean?
220 is the basis score and 90% is the factor. Your handicap is 90% of the gap between 220 and your average. Both numbers are league choices - check the bylaws.
How many games until I have an official average?
USBC leagues typically establish an average after 9 games (three 3-game sessions). Before that, many leagues assign a temporary average or use your book average from last season.
Does handicap round up or down?
Down, in most leagues - both the average and the final handicap drop fractions. A calculated 40.5 handicap is used as 40. Always league-rules-dependent, so verify yours.