Ever bowled a strike but had no idea how the points were calculated? Bowling scoring can seem confusing at first but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the basics.
This guide breaks down how scoring works in a simple to understand manner.
The Basics Of Bowling Scoring
A game of bowling consists of 10 frames. Each frame gives you two chances to knock down all 10 pins, except for the final frame, which can include an extra roll if you score a strike or spare.
If you don’t knock down all 10 pins in a frame, you get the total number of pins knocked down as your score.
For example, if you roll a 3 on the first throw and a 6 on the second, your score for that frame is 9.
Keeping track of scores manually can be tricky, especially with strikes and spares.
To make it easier, try our Bowling Score Calculator to get your total score automatically.
How Strikes And Spares Work
A strike happens when you knock down all 10 pins on the first roll of a frame. It’s marked with an “X” on the scoreboard.
Instead of just adding 10 points, you also add the total pins from your next two rolls to that frame.
If you bowl a strike, then a 4 and a 5 in the next frame, that strike frame gets 10 + 4 + 5 = 19 points.
A spare happens when you knock down all 10 pins in two rolls.
It’s marked with a “/”.
Instead of just 10 points, you add the number of pins from your next roll to that frame.
If you bowl a spare, then roll a 6 on your next throw, that spare frame gets 10 + 6 = 16 points.
The 10th Frame: A Special Rule
The 10th frame is different because it allows up to three rolls instead of two, depending on how you score.
- If you roll a strike on the first ball, you get two extra rolls
- If you roll a spare on the first two balls, you get one extra roll
This means that a perfect game (300 points) requires 12 consecutive strikes. One for each of the first 10 frames, plus the two extra rolls in the 10th.
How Bowling Scores Add Up
Let’s say you bowl a full game, and your frames look like this.
Example 1: Open Frame Scoring
- Frame 1: Roll 5, then 3 → Score 8
- Frame 2: Roll 4, then 2 → Score 6
- Running total: 8 + 6 = 14
Example 2: Spare Scoring
- Frame 1: Roll 5, then 5 (spare) → Score 10 + next roll
- Frame 2: Roll 7 → Score 10 + 7 = 17
- Running total: 17 + next frame’s score
Example 3: Strike Scoring
- Frame 1: Strike (X) → Score 10 + next two rolls
- Frame 2: Roll 4, then 3 → Score 10 + 4 + 3 = 17
- Running total: 17 + next frame’s score
What’s A Perfect Game?
A perfect game in bowling is 300 points.
This means you rolled 12 strikes in a row (10 frames plus 2 extra rolls in the 10th frame). It’s rare but achievable with skill, consistency, some luck and a lot of practice.
Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
Many beginners assume that:
- A strike is just 10 points (it’s actually 10 plus the next two rolls)
- A spare is just 10 points (it’s 10 plus the next roll)
- The 10th frame follows regular rules (it allows extra rolls if you score a strike or spare)
Now that you know how bowling scoring works, you’re ready to hit the lanes with confidence! 🎳🔥