How Do You Calculate Points in Bowling? | Complete Bowling Scoring Guide by Flying Bowling
Discover the basics of scoring in bowling with Flying's guide: "How do you calculate points in bowling?" Understand the rules and techniques to tally your scores effectively. Whether you're a beginner or an enthusiast, our insights will enhance your gameplay. Learn more about scoring strikes and spares and understanding the scoring system to improve your performance on the lanes.
Scoring in bowling may look complicated at first, but once you understand how frames, strikes, spares, and bonus calculations work, it becomes surprisingly simple. Whether you're a beginner trying to learn the basics or an alley operator wanting to educate new players, this guide provides a clear and practical explanation of how bowling scoring works, supported by examples and expert insights.
At Flying Bowling, we specialize in manufacturing professional bowling equipment—including string pinsetters, synthetic lanes, and scoring systems—used in family entertainment centers, commercial bowling alleys, and home setups worldwide. Helping players understand how to keep score is part of our commitment to making bowling more accessible.
1. Understanding the Structure of a Bowling Game
A traditional bowling game consists of:
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10 frames
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Each frame gives you up to 2 rolls, except the 10th frame, which can include 3 rolls.
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You score points based on the number of pins knocked down plus bonuses for strikes and spares.
A perfect game (all strikes) equals 300 points.
2. Basic Scoring Rules (Open Frames)
If a player does not knock down all 10 pins in two rolls, this is called an open frame.
Score = pins knocked down in Roll 1 + Roll 2
Example:
Frame: 4 + 3
Score = 7 points
Open frames have no bonuses, so their scores are the easiest to calculate.
3. What Is a Strike? (X)
A strike happens when all 10 pins are knocked down on the first roll of a frame.
Because you cleared the frame early, you earn a bonus:
Strike Score = 10 + pins from next two rolls
Example:
Frame 1: Strike (X)
Next rolls: 7 and 2
Score = 10 + 7 + 2 = 19
Strikes are powerful because one strike affects three frames: the current one and the next two rolls.
4. What Is a Spare? (/)
A spare occurs when a player knocks down all 10 pins across two rolls.
Spare Score = 10 + pins from next roll
Example:
Frame 1: 8 + 2 → Spare
Next roll: 5
Score = 10 + 5 = 15
5. What Is an Open Frame?
If after two rolls you fail to knock down all 10 pins, the frame is “open.”
Open Frame Score = Total pins knocked down (no bonus)
Example:
Frame 1: 6 + 3
Score = 9
6. Special Rules for the 10th Frame
The 10th frame is unique. You can roll:
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2 balls if no strike or spare is achieved
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3 balls if you get a strike or spare
10th Frame Bonus Rolls
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Strike (X) = 2 bonus shots
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Spare (/) = 1 bonus shot
This ensures strikes/spares receive proper scoring credit.
7. Full Example of a Scoring Calculation (Frame-by-Frame)
Here is a complete game breakdown:
| Frame | Rolls | Explanation | Frame Total | Running Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | X | Strike → 10 + next 7 + 2 | 19 | 19 |
| 2 | 7, 2 | Open frame | 9 | 28 |
| 3 | 9, / | Spare → 10 + next 5 | 15 | 43 |
| 4 | 5, 4 | Open frame | 9 | 52 |
| 5 | X | Strike | 10 + next 10 + 10 | 30 |
| 6 | X | Strike | 10 + next 10 + 8 | 28 |
| 7 | X | Strike | 10 + next 8 + 1 | 19 |
| 8 | 8, 1 | Open frame | 9 | 138 |
| 9 | 9, / | Spare → 10 + next 10 | 20 | 158 |
| 10 | X, X, X | Strike + 2 bonus strikes | 30 | 188 |
Final Score = 188
8. Why the Maximum Score Is 300
To score a perfect 300, you need:
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10 strikes (one per frame)
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2 bonus strikes in the 10th frame
= 12 consecutive strikes
A perfect game requires flawless technique and consistency.
9. Common Scoring Mistakes Beginners Make
❌ Mistake 1: Forgetting to add bonuses
Strikes give two-roll bonuses; spares give one-roll bonuses.
❌ Mistake 2: Miscalculating the 10th frame
Remember:
Strike → 2 extra rolls
Spare → 1 extra roll
❌ Mistake 3: Counting each frame separately
Bowling is cumulative—each frame builds on the previous.
10. Bowling Scoring Chart (Quick Reference Table)
| Symbol | Meaning | How Score Is Calculated |
|---|---|---|
| X | Strike | 10 + next 2 rolls |
| / | Spare | 10 + next roll |
| - | Miss | 0 points |
| Open Frame | Example: 7 + 2 | Sum of pins, no bonuses |
| 10th Frame | Bonus rolls | Based on strike/spare |
11. How Automatic Scoring Systems Work
Modern bowling centers—including those equipped by Flying Bowling—use electronic scoring systems that:
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Detect each pinfall with infrared or sensor-based technology
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Automatically calculate strikes, spares, and bonuses
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Display real-time player progress
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Reduce scoring mistakes
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Improve beginner-friendly gameplay
Flying Bowling’s scoring systems are optimized for string pinsetters, duckpin bowling, mini bowling, and standard commercial lanes.
12. Why Understanding Bowling Scoring Matters
Knowing how scoring works helps players:
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Improve strategy
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Understand the value of strikes vs. spares
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Track performance
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Engage more deeply in the game
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Compete fairly
For bowling center owners, clear scoring education improves:
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Customer satisfaction
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Repeat patronage
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Smooth gameplay flow
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Reduced staff intervention
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many points is a strike worth?
A strike is always 10 plus the next two rolls.
The actual number varies depending on the rolls that follow.
Q2: How do you score a gutter ball?
A gutter ball = 0 points.
Q3: Can your score decrease?
No. Bowling scores only increase as you progress.
Q4: Why do strikes “stack” more points?
Because strikes carry two-roll bonuses that can include additional strikes.
Q5: What’s the average score for beginners?
Most beginners score between 70 and 130.
14. Conclusion: Scoring Bowling Is Easy Once You Understand the Basics
Bowling scoring follows simple mathematical rules once you grasp frames, strikes, spares, and bonuses. With this comprehensive guide, you can now score games confidently whether you’re practicing at home or playing in a competitive setting.
At Flying Bowling, we are committed to making bowling more accessible and enjoyable—from string pinsetters and ball returns to complete bowling lane installations in commercial centers and private homes.
If you're interested in building your bowling alley or upgrading your scoring system, Flying Bowling is here to help.
🎳 Ready to Build Your Bowling Alley? Contact Flying Bowling Today!
We provide:
✔ Bowling lanes (Standard, Medium, Mini, Duckpin)
✔ String pinsetters
✔ Ball return machines
✔ Scoring systems
✔ Full design and installation services
📧 Email: Jackson@flyingbowling.com
🌐 Website: www.flyingbowling.com
Bring world-class bowling technology into your entertainment space—powered by Flying Bowling.
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Price
Cost to setup a 8 lane bowling business？
This includes bowling lanes, bowling balls, pins, scoring systems, ball return systems, shoes, and other necessary equipment. Purchasing or leasing high-quality equipment is essential for a successful operation.
The total cost can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, size, quality, and additional amenities (such as a restaurant or arcade). On average, setting up an 8-lane bowling business can cost anywhere from several hundred thousand to over a million dollars. It's essential to conduct thorough research and create a detailed business plan to accurately estimate the specific costs of your venture.
Consulting with Flying Bowling experts can provide valuable insights into potential expenses.
Bowling Equipment
Where to find bowling equipment?
You can search for Guangzhou Flying Bowling Co., Ltd. on Alibaba International Station and Google, and you can see different types of high-quality bowling equipment on our website. All bowling equipment-related information can be found on the website. If you have any questions, you can contact us at anytime.
Who makes new bowling equipment?
Flying specializes in manufacturing brand new bowling equipment. All the equipment, fairway boards, balls, and pins we provide are brand new. Including the scoring and management systems of our bowling lanes, they are all unique and developed by ourselves.
How many feet is a bowling lane?
We have a total of four different sizes of bowling lanes. The length of a standard bowling lane is 84 feet. The length of Duckpin Bowling Lane is 39.4 feet. The Mini Bowling Lane size is 39.7 feet. The size of the children's bowling lanes is 14.1 feet. In addition, the length of our standard bowling lanes and duckpin bowling lanes can be customized.
How much does bowling alley equipment cost?
Building a bowling alley may seem very expensive to many people. But you don’t need to spend too much money on Flying bowling. Our prices are very affordable. You can get high-quality bowling equipment at an extremely competitive price from us.
How long is a mini bowling lane?
The length of the Mini Bowling Lane is about 13 meters. The fairway board area is about 7.6 meters. And the approach area is about 2.44 meters. The equipment maintenance area behind the lane requires a minimum of 1 meter.
How wide is the bowling lane?
We have four types of bowling lanes. The width of the 4 standard bowling lanes is 6.9 meters. The width of the 2 duckpin bowling lanes is 3.48 meters. The width of the four mini bowling lanes is 5.66 meters. The width of a single children's bowling lane is 0.9 meters.
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