One of the great things about bowling is that it can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Whether you are on a bowling team or are just having a good time with family and friends bowling can be a fun and rewarding activity.
While enjoying a game of bowling you might wonder how your score compares to others and what is considered a good score in bowling.
A good bowling score for most casual bowlers that don’t bowl very often is a score of 130-160. For players that bowl in leagues and more frequently a good score is considered to be in the 180-220 range. Professional bowlers typically average anywhere from 230-250.
However, a good bowling score can be subjective and will depend on your experience, skill level, as well as other factors.
In this article, we will discuss more in-depth on what is considered an average bowling score, how a bowling score is calculated, as well as give you some helpful tips and information on how you can increase your score.
Let’s begin.
Average Bowling Score
The game of bowling is all about maximizing each frame and trying to score as many points as possible (300). As you can imagine the amount of points a player scores in a game can vary quite a bit depending on their experience and skill level.
The average bowling score when looking at all of the possibilities within a game from a mathematical perspective is a score of 77-79. All average scores however, are dependent upon the skills of the players and the number of spares and strikes rolled.
To help you better understand what the average bowling score is based on your skills, I have put together the following table that lists the average bowling score per skill level:
Average Bowling Score(s)
| Skill Level | Average Score |
| Beginner | 70-100 |
| Intermediate | 120-150 |
| Advanced | 160-190 |
| Professionals | 230-250 |
Average Bowling Score for Beginner’s
Most beginner’s that are bowling for the first time or people who don’t bowl very often will typically throw a score between 70-100. However, this average score may depend on if the player is using bumpers and how many spares and strikes are made.
Most beginners can easily raise their scoring average to the 110-150 range, with a little bit of practice and some consistent play.
Average Bowling Score for Intermediate Players
As you can image the people who bowl more often and join both fun & competitive bowling leagues have a much higher score than the beginners who are just starting out or only bowl on occasion.
The average bowling score for more advanced players and those who are in bowling leagues typically score anywhere between 170-220. This average can vary quite a bit depending on experience and skill level as well.
Average Bowling Score for Professionals
Now it’s time to discuss the professional level and what they will typically score. These are the players that really know their stuff and have a high level of skills and ability. They bowl for a living and you might have even seen them on TV.
While most bowlers strive to bowl a 300 which is a perfect game, most professionals don’t achieve this on a consistent basis. The average professional bowler scores anywhere between 220-240 per game.
However, just like in any sport these professional players can have good days and bad days. Most professional bowlers strive to average 200+ per game, but some may not get there.
Highest Possible Bowling Score
The ultimate goal and highest score possible in bowling is 300. In order to reach this, score a bowler must bowl 12 consecutive strikes to reach 300 and bowl a perfect game.
How do 12 strikes add up to 300 points? Well, a strike is worth 10 points plus the sum of your next two shots. This would be 30 points per frame if you bowl a strike every shot. Making your total score 300.
How Is a Bowling Score Calculated?
Most people have been bowling at some point, but many may not be familiar with how bowling is actually scored. This is especially true if there isn’t a computer around to keep track of the points for you.
At first calculating a bowling score may seem complicated, but it’s pretty simple. Here are the basic rules and bowling scoring terminology you should become familiar with.
Bowling Scoring Terms
Spare
Worth 10 points plus the sum of your next shot
A spare is when you knock down all 10 pins by using both shots within a frame. When you bowl a spare you will receive 10 points plus the sum of your next shot.
Although spares are not as good as strikes, they are an important way to score and they can add up quickly.
Strike
Worth 10 points plus the sum of your next two shots
A strike is when you knock all 10 pins down on your first shot of a frame. If you make a strike you’ll receive 10 points plus the sum of your next two shots. Strikes are the best way you can score and they can make your overall total add up.
Open Frame
Worth the amount of pins knocked down in a frame
If you do not knock down all 10 pins within a frame (9 or fewer) you will have what is called an open frame. Meaning that you will receive a point for the number of pins you did knock down.
For example, if you knock down 7 pins on your first shot and then knock down 2 on your second shot, for a total of 9 pins knocked down. You will receive 9 points.
However, because you didn’t bowl a strike or a spare by knocking down all 10 pins, you won’t receive additional points on your next shots.
The 10th Frame
Worth the amount of pins knocked down in the 10th frame, with the potential for some other scoring opportunities.
The 10th frame is a bit unique. If you bowl a strike on your first shot, you’ll receive two more shots. If you roll a spare on the 10th frame, you’ll get 1 more shot to score more points.
If you are unable to roll a spare or a strike in your first two shots and leave the frame open, you’ll receive points for the amount of pins you knocked down and the game is over.
If you still need help keeping score check out this article on How to Keep Your Bowling Score for additional information.
How to Improve Your Bowling Score
Choose the Right Ball
Choosing the right ball, is an important first step in improving your bowling score. Try experimenting with a few different sizes and find one that works best for you. Don’t choose a heavier ball just because you can lift it. Most professional bowlers use a 15lb ball when they play, but find one that fits well in your hands and is comfortable to you.
Aim for the Pocket
A simple tip or strategy you can use to knock down more pins is to aim for the pocket. The pocket is the space between the 1 and 3 pin (for right handers) or the 1 and 2 pin (for left handers). This is best place to aim and if you hit the pocket it will give you a great chance at bowling a strike.
Learn to Throw a Hook
If you really want to become good at bowling than mastering the art of the hook shot is a must. The hook is a bowling technique that curves the ball down the lane, instead of bowling it straight.
This curve will make it a lot easier to bowl strikes, but it can be tough master at first. If you would like to learn more about the hook check out this video on How to Hook a Bowling Ball.
Practice & Be Patient
Just like any sport or activity becoming good at bowling can take some time and a lot of practice. The more you play, the more you’ll learn and discover tricks to improve your score, and the better you’ll be.
Final Thoughts
Bowling is a fun recreational activity where players roll their ball towards the pins in hopes of knocking them down and collecting points in the process. Regardless of your skill level or experience this is a game that can be fun for everyone.
One of the unique things about this game is how it is scored. Almost everyone has bowling at some point but few may know how their score compares to others at their same skill and experience level.
I hope this article has helped you better understand what is considered a good score and bowling and how the game is scored. Now, go out there and enjoy this great activity with some family and friends.