Golf Net Score Calculator

1. Enter your gross score, the total strokes you took.
2. Enter the handicap strokes you receive for the round.
3. Enter the par of the course.
4. Read your net score and how it compares with par.

A net score is your gross score minus the handicap strokes you are entitled to for the round. The gross score is what you actually wrote on the card; the net score adjusts it for your ability so players of different standards can compete on level terms.

Most club competitions and society events are decided on net scores. Two golfers can shoot very different gross totals yet finish level on net, which is the whole purpose of the handicap system. The lower the net score, the better the result relative to par.

The handicap you subtract is normally your course handicap, or your playing handicap once a format allowance has been applied. Using the correct handicap for the competition is what makes the net score fair, so it pays to confirm which figure the committee is using before you start.

1. Take your gross score for the round.
2. Subtract the handicap strokes you receive.
3. Compare the net score with par to see how you did.
4. A net score below par is a strong round.

The calculation itself is a simple subtraction, but choosing the right handicap to subtract is where care is needed. A course handicap and a playing handicap can differ, and the format decides which one applies.

You take 92 strokes for the round and your course handicap is 18. Subtracting 18 from 92 gives a net score of 74. On a par 72 course that is two over par, a solid net round that would be competitive in most club events.

A higher handicapper who shoots 105 gross off a handicap of 28 finishes on a net 77, or five over par. Even though the gross scores are thirteen strokes apart, the net gap is only three strokes, which shows how the handicap brings the two players much closer together.

Gross Score

Every stroke you take adds directly to the gross and so to the net.

Handicap

A higher handicap removes more strokes, lowering the net score.

Format Allowance

Some formats reduce the handicap first, which raises the net score you post.

Par of the Course

Par does not change the net score itself, but it sets the net-to-par comparison used to judge the round.

Net score for different gross scores and handicaps on a par 72 course.

Players with very different gross scores can finish close together once handicaps are applied.

Club Competitions

Most medals and Stableford events are decided on net scores.

Friendly Matches

Level the game between players of different standards, so a beginner and a low handicapper can enjoy a genuinely close match rather than a one-sided result.

Checking the Card

Confirm the net total before you sign and hand in the scorecard, since a signed card with the wrong net total can cost you the competition.

1. Using the Wrong Handicap

Subtract the handicap for the format, which may be a reduced playing handicap rather than the full course handicap.

2. Confusing Gross and Net

The gross is your raw total; the net is after handicap strokes.

3. Ignoring Net Double Bogey

For handicap purposes a hole is capped, which can change the score that counts.

4. Forgetting Par

Net to par only makes sense once you enter the correct par for the course.

The net score is a straightforward subtraction of handicap strokes from the gross score. The result is only as correct as the handicap you enter.

Subtract your handicap strokes from your gross score. A gross 92 off a handicap of 18 gives a net score of 74.

The gross score is your raw stroke total; the net score is the gross minus the handicap strokes you receive.

Use the handicap for the format, usually your course handicap or your playing handicap after any allowance.

Yes. A lower net score, especially one below par, is a stronger result and usually wins net competitions.

It is your net score compared with the par of the course, for example net 74 on a par 72 is two over par net.

For handicap records the gross is capped at net double bogey per hole, which can change the score that counts.

Yes. That is the point of handicapping, as it lets players of different standards compete on level terms.

No. Par does not change the net score itself; it only sets the net-to-par comparison.

No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser and nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

• Handicap (golf) (Wikipedia).
• World Handicap System (Wikipedia).
• Par (score) (Wikipedia).