Key points
- Reference distance: 18.29 m (60 feet) from the foul line to the headpin (1-pin).
- Speed (km/h) = 18.29 ÷ time × 3.6. Example: 2.5 s gives 26.3 km/h (16.4 mph).
- Built-in stopwatch: one tap at release, one tap at impact. Average several shots.
- Rough benchmarks: 22 to 27 km/h for casual bowlers, 27 to 32 km/h for a league bowler, over 32 km/h for elite players.
How do you measure your ball speed?
The speed of a bowling ball is easy to calculate: it is the distance travelled divided by the time taken. The reference distance is the one between the foul line and the headpin: 60 feet, or 18.29 metres. So all you need to do is time how long the ball takes to cover that distance.
- Ask a friend to stand behind you with the stopwatch on this page open on their phone.
- They tap once when the ball hits the lane at the foul line, and a second time when it strikes the pins.
- Repeat over five to ten shots: averaging the measurements cancels out small reaction-time errors.
You can also film your shots and read off the time frame by frame for a more accurate measurement. If you only measure part of the lane, change the distance in the calculator.
The conversion formula
Speed in km/h = 18.29 ÷ time (s) × 3.6. To get miles per hour, the unit used by ball manufacturers and American bowlers, divide by 1.609.
| Time | km/h | mph |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 s | 21.9 | 13.6 |
| 2.8 s | 23.5 | 14.6 |
| 2.6 s | 25.3 | 15.7 |
| 2.4 s | 27.4 | 17.0 |
| 2.2 s | 29.9 | 18.6 |
| 2.0 s | 32.9 | 20.5 |
What is a good ball speed in bowling?
There is no universal ideal speed: it depends on your rev rate, your ball and the oil pattern. League bowlers generally aim for an average speed of 27 to 32 km/h (17 to 20 mph). Too slow, and the ball hooks early and loses its energy before reaching the pins; too fast, and it skids without having time to roll and enters the pocket at too shallow an angle.
The screens at some bowling centres display a speed, often measured near the pins. It is lower than the speed at release, because the ball slows down as it rolls: don't be surprised by a 10 to 15% difference from your own measurement.
Controlling your speed
- To go faster: start a little further back from the foul line and hold the ball a little higher in your stance, without muscling it with your arm.
- To slow down: move closer to the foul line and hold the ball lower in your stance.
- Keep your speed consistent from one shot to the next: consistency matters more than speed itself.
Speed doesn't tell the whole story: also measure your rev rate to find out the balance between speed and rotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average speed of a bowling ball?
A casual bowler generally throws between 22 and 27 km/h (14 to 17 mph). League bowlers are often between 27 and 32 km/h, and professionals around 32 to 35 km/h.
How do you calculate your bowling ball speed?
Time the ball from the foul line to impact with the pins, then divide 18.29 m by that time and multiply by 3.6 to get km/h. For example, 2.4 s gives 27.4 km/h.
Why is the speed shown at the bowling centre different?
Bowling centre sensors often measure speed near the pins, when the ball has already slowed down. That speed is lower than the average speed over the whole lane.
Do you need to throw fast to get strikes?
Not necessarily. A speed suited to your rev rate and the oil pattern gives a better entry angle into the pocket than maximum speed. Consistency matters more.