What is Score Differential? How Golf Handicap Scores Work
A score differential compares your adjusted gross score to course difficulty, used to calculate your handicap index. Learn the formula and examples.
A score differential is your adjusted gross score minus the course rating, multiplied by 113 divided by the slope rating, representing how you performed relative to course difficulty.
The Score Differential Formula
Score Differential = (113 / Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating)
The 113 is the standard slope rating, used to normalize differentials across courses of varying difficulty.
Example Calculations
| Round | Adj. Score | Course Rating | Slope | Differential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 85 | 71.2 | 125 | 12.5 |
| 2 | 88 | 72.8 | 142 | 12.1 |
| 3 | 82 | 69.5 | 118 | 10.1 |
| 4 | 90 | 74.1 | 148 | 10.3 |
Notice how a score of 88 on the harder course (slope 142) produces a better differential than an 85 on the easier course (slope 125).
How Differentials Become Your Handicap
Your handicap index uses the best 8 differentials from your last 20 rounds:
- Calculate differentials for each round
- Take the lowest 8 differentials
- Average those 8 differentials
- Multiply by 0.96
Why Differentials Matter
Score differentials create a fair system by accounting for course difficulty. A 15 differential at a very hard course represents the same skill level as a 15 differential at an easy course.
Related Resources
- Golf Handicap Index Calculator - Calculate your index
- How to Calculate Golf Handicap - Complete guide
- Understanding Slope Rating - How slope affects differentials