Bowling Score Calculator
Bowling Score Calculator
Score Sheet
| Frame 1 | Frame 2 | Frame 3 | Frame 4 | Frame 5 | Frame 6 | Frame 7 | Frame 8 | Frame 9 | Frame 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
How to Use the Bowling Score Calculator
Our bowling score calculator makes it easy to track your game frame by frame. Simply enter the number of pins knocked down for each roll, and the calculator automatically handles strikes, spares, and the complex 10th frame scoring.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Enter Pin Count: Type the number of pins knocked down in each roll (0-10)
- Automatic Advancement: The calculator moves to the next roll/frame automatically
- Strike Recognition: Knocking down all 10 pins on the first roll is marked as X
- Spare Recognition: Knocking down all 10 pins with both rolls is marked as /
- 10th Frame: Get up to 3 rolls if you score a strike or spare
Understanding Bowling Scoring
Basic Scoring Rules
- Strike (X): All 10 pins in one roll. Score: 10 + next 2 rolls
- Spare (/): All 10 pins in two rolls. Score: 10 + next 1 roll
- Open Frame: Less than 10 pins. Score: Total pins knocked down
- Maximum Score: 300 (12 consecutive strikes)
10th Frame Special Rules
- If you bowl a strike, you get 2 bonus rolls
- If you bowl a spare, you get 1 bonus roll
- If you don't get a strike or spare, no bonus rolls
- All pins are reset after each roll in the 10th frame
Bowling Score Ranges
What's a Good Bowling Score?
- 0-100: Beginner level - Focus on hitting the pocket consistently
- 100-140: Recreational bowler - Work on picking up spares
- 140-180: Above average - Good spare shooting, occasional strikes
- 180-220: Advanced - Consistent strikes and spare conversions
- 220+: Expert level - Tournament caliber bowling
- 300: Perfect game - 12 consecutive strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many strikes do I need for a 200 game?
Generally, you need about 4-6 strikes with good spare shooting to reach 200. The key is converting your spares - missing spares makes it very difficult to reach 200 even with several strikes.
What's the difference between a strike and a spare?
A strike is knocking down all 10 pins with your first ball, marked as "X". A spare is knocking down all 10 pins using both balls in a frame, marked as "/". Strikes are worth more because you get credit for the next 2 balls, while spares only count the next 1 ball.
Why does the 10th frame have 3 boxes?
The 10th frame allows for up to 3 rolls to ensure strikes and spares in the 10th frame get their full scoring value. If you strike or spare, you get bonus rolls. This ensures fair scoring since earlier strikes/spares benefit from subsequent rolls.
What's a turkey in bowling?
A "turkey" is three strikes in a row. Other notable achievements include: "four-bagger" (4 strikes), "five-bagger" (5 strikes), and "six-pack" (6 strikes). Twelve strikes in a row results in a perfect 300 game.
How is handicap calculated in bowling?
Bowling handicap is typically calculated as 90% of the difference between 200 (or another base score) and your average. For example, if your average is 150, your handicap would be (200-150) × 0.9 = 45 pins. This helps level the playing field in league play.