What Is the Average Bowling Score? Benchmarks by Skill Level and How to Raise Yours
The average bowling score for casual players is around 90-120. This article covers average score benchmarks by skill level, how to calculate your own bowling average, and practical tips to raise it.
31 Aug, 2026"Is my bowling score actually good, or below average?"
It's a question every bowler asks at some point. This article walks through typical average scores for casual and experienced bowlers, how to calculate your own average, and what it takes to raise it.
What Is the Average Bowling Score?
For casual players who bowl occasionally, the average score is typically around 90-120.
While a perfect game is 300, scores climb slowly unless you string together strikes and spares — knocking down 8 pins in every frame only gets you to 80. If you regularly break 100, you're right around the average for recreational bowlers.
Average Score Benchmarks by Skill Level
| Level | Typical average |
|---|---|
| Beginner (a few games a year) | 60-100 |
| Casual player | 90-120 |
| Regular bowler | 130-170 |
| Experienced bowler with own ball | 170-200 |
| League / competitive bowler | 190-220+ |
Once you bowl regularly, an average around 150 is a realistic milestone, and 180+ usually means you own your ball and practice consistently. Curious what score earns bragging rights with friends? See What Bowling Score Can You Boast About to Friends?
How to Calculate Your Bowling Average
Your average is simply:
Average = total pins across all games ÷ number of games
For example, games of 110, 95, and 125 give you (110 + 95 + 125) ÷ 3 = an average of 110.
A single game involves plenty of luck, so track at least 10 games to get a number that reflects your real skill. If you want to brush up on how scoring itself works, check How to Calculate Bowling Scores or try our free bowling score calculator.
3 Ways to Raise Your Average
1. Track your scores and find your patterns
The first step to a higher average is knowing where you stand. With the score-tracking app Bosc, every game you log is turned into monthly average trends and analysis of which pins you struggle with most.
2. Focus on spares, not strikes
Up to an average of about 120, spares matter far more than strikes. Adjusting your starting position based on which pins remain — and converting those spares consistently — is the fastest way to stabilize your score.
3. Keep your form consistent
Releasing from the same spot with the same form every time makes your ball path predictable, which is what allows real adjustments. For practice ideas, see Tips and Practice for Bowling Beginners to Improve.
Summary
- The average score for casual bowlers is 90-120
- Above 130 is better than average; 150+ is worth bragging about
- Track 10+ games to know your true average
- Recording your scores is the shortest path to raising them
Start by finding out your own average — with Bosc, just enter your scores and the app tracks your average trends automatically.
