How Many Points Is a Spare in Bowling?

By Sarah Miller · September 4, 2032

In bowling, a spare earns exactly 10 points plus the value of the next ball rolled, making it a key scoring opportunity in the game.

Understanding How a Spare Works in Bowling

A spare occurs when a bowler knocks down all ten pins using both balls in a single frame. While the base value of clearing the pins is 10, the true scoring impact comes from the bonus: the number of pins knocked down with the very next ball is added to the spare frame.

Why Spares Are Crucial for High Scores

Spares contribute significantly to cumulative score due to the bonus rule
Consistent spares allow players to maintain momentum and rhythm
Even without strikes, a series of spares can yield a strong final score
Mastery of spare shooting improves overall shot accuracy and lane awareness

Bowling Scoring Mechanics Explained

Bowling uses a frame-based scoring system across 10 frames. Each frame allows up to two rolls, except the 10th, which may allow three if bonuses apply. A spare adds 10 points plus the next roll’s pin count as a bonus.

Difference Between Strike and Spare

A strike (all pins down on first ball) scores 10 plus the next two rolls. A spare scores 10 plus the next one roll. This distinction makes consecutive strikes more valuable than spares, but spares remain essential for consistent performance.

Frame	Roll 1	Roll 2	Score Calculation	Total Score
1	7	3 (spare)	10 + 5 = 15	15
2	5	4	9	24
3	X (strike)	-	10 + 10 = 20	44
4	8	2 (spare)	10 + 7 = 17	61
5	7	0	7	68

Table data source:1, 2

The table demonstrates how spare bonuses are applied: Frame 1's spare gains a bonus from Frame 2's first roll (5 pins), adding 5 to the base 10. Similarly, Frame 4's spare includes a bonus from the first ball of Frame 5. This rolling calculation emphasizes the importance of follow-through after a spare.

Tips for Improving Spare Conversion Rates

Professional bowlers often focus heavily on spare shooting during practice. Here are proven techniques:

Use the arrows on the lane instead of the dots or gutters for better alignment
Adjust your starting position based on the pins left (e.g., move left for 10-pin spares)
Focus on smooth delivery rather than power
Practice common spare patterns like the 7-10 split or 4-6-7 combination
Keep a consistent pre-shot routine to reduce variability

Frequently Asked Questions About Spare Scoring in Bowling

How many points is a spare worth in bowling?

A spare is worth 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down on the next ball thrown. For example, if you pick up a spare and then knock down 8 pins on your next frame’s first ball, the spare frame totals 18 points.

Does a spare always add 10 points?

Yes, clearing all 10 pins in one frame using two rolls automatically awards 10 points. However, the total value increases by the next roll’s outcome due to the bonus rule, so the final impact is always at least 10 but potentially up to 20.

What happens if I get a spare in the 10th frame?

If you get a spare in the 10th frame, you earn one additional bonus ball to determine the total value of the spare. That extra roll is used solely to calculate the 10-point bonus.

Can I get a spare and then a strike?

Yes. If you convert a spare and then throw a strike in the next frame, your spare frame receives a full 10-pin bonus, resulting in a total of 20 points for the spare frame.

Is a spare better than a strike?

No, a strike is more valuable than a spare. A strike gives 10 points plus the next two rolls, while a spare only adds the next single roll. Two consecutive strikes will always score higher than a spare followed by a strike.