Bowling averages by level
| Average | Roughly |
|---|---|
| Under 120 | Starting out: still finding a ball, a speed and a line |
| 120 to 150 | Casual: a few strikes a game, spares come and go |
| 150 to 180 | Solid league bowler: a repeatable shot, most single pins made |
| 180 to 200 | Strong: few open frames, carries the pocket well |
| 200 to 220 | Advanced: among the best in most leagues |
| 220 and up | Elite: tournament level |
What moves your average
The same bowler can average 20 pins more on an easy house pattern than on a sport pattern. Compare your average with bowlers in the same league, on the same lanes, rather than with numbers from somewhere else.
The quickest way up: spares
Strikes get the attention, but missed spares cost most bowlers the most pins. A missed single pin costs you at least 10 pins in that frame. Make your single pins, then work on the rest.
How your average is counted
Total pins divided by games, with the decimals dropped: 1,799 pins in 9 games is 199, not 200. The average calculator works it out, and shows what you need to reach the next level.