Enter your current weight and skill level into the calculator to determine the correct bowling ball weight to use.

Bowling Ball Weight Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the correct weight of a bowling ball you should use. 

BBW = BW * .10 + SL
  • Where BBW is the bowling ball weight (lbs) (up to 16 pounds)
  • BW is your body weight (lbs)
  • SL is your skill level (-.25,.25, or .50 0 being beginning and .50 being advanced)

To calculate the correct bowling ball weight, divide your body weight by 10 and add the skill factor.

What is the correct bowling ball weight to use?

The correct weight to use for a bowling ball is ultimately whatever is most comfortable to you. The general rule of thumb is that the bowling ball should be 10% of your body weight up to 16 lbs which is the heaviest ball.

How to calculate bowling ball weight?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines how to calculate the correct bowling ball weight to use.

First, determine your body weight. In this example, the person weighs 150 lbs.

Next, determine the skill level. In this case, the person is at an advanced level so their skill factor is .50lbs.

Finally, calculate the bowling ball weight using the formula above:

BBW = BW * .10 + SL

BBW = 150* .10 + .50

BBW = 15.5 lbs