How Much Is a Spare Worth in Bowling? (10 + Next Roll)

By Sarah Miller · November 19, 2033

In bowling, a spare is worth exactly 10 points plus the bonus of your next ball rolled. This means that after knocking down all ten pins in two shots (a spare), you receive 10 base points and whatever number of pins you knock down on your next roll as a bonus. For example, if you get a spare in Frame 1 and then knock down 7 pins on your first ball in Frame 2, the total score for Frame 1 becomes 17.

What Is a Spare in Bowling?

A spare occurs when a bowler knocks down all ten pins using both balls in a single frame. It's second only to a strike in scoring potential and is a key component of achieving a high score.

How Scoring Works with Spares

A spare earns 10 points for clearing the pins in two rolls.
The bowler receives a bonus equal to the number of pins knocked down on the next ball.
This bonus is added to the frame where the spare was achieved.
Unlike an open frame (less than 10 pins), a spare defers final scoring until the next roll.

Why Spares Are Important for High Scores

Consistently picking up spares can dramatically increase your average score. Even without strikes, a player who converts most spares can maintain a solid game.

Examples of Spare Scoring

Frame 1: Spare (10 pins over two balls)
Frame 2, Ball 1: 6 pins knocked down
Total for Frame 1: 10 + 6 = 16 points

If you follow a spare with another spare or a strike, the scoring compounds. A spare followed by a strike results in 20 points for the original spare frame.

Bowling Scoring Mechanics Explained

Understanding how spares integrate into the full scoring system helps players appreciate strategy and consistency.

Ten-Pin Bowling Frame Structure

Each game consists of 10 frames. In each frame, a bowler gets up to two chances to knock down all ten pins. Exceptions occur in the 10th frame, where bonus rolls are awarded for strikes and spares.

Difference Between Strike and Spare

Feature	Strike	Spare
Pins Downed	All 10 on first ball	All 10 over two balls
Base Points	10	10
Bonus	Next two balls	Next one ball
Symbol on Scorecard	X	\/
Difficulty (Average League Player)	~45% conversion	~70% conversion

Scoring Example: How a Spare Impacts Total Score

Let’s walk through a simple scenario to illustrate spare scoring impact:

Frame 1: 7 pins, then 3 pins → Spare (recorded as \/)
Frame 2, Ball 1: 8 pins knocked down
Score for Frame 1: 10 + 8 = 18
Frame 2, Ball 2: 1 pin → Open frame
Score for Frame 2: 8 + 1 = 9
Total after Frame 2: 18 + 9 = 27

This demonstrates how performance in Frame 2 directly affects the scoring of Frame 1 due to the spare bonus rule.

Real Game Data: Spare Conversion Rates and Impact

Player Type	Average Games per Week	Spare Conversion Rate (%)	Avg. Score Range	Strikes per Game
Casual Recreational	1–2	45%	110–140	2.1
League Bowler	3–5	68%	170–190	4.7
Professional (PBA)	8+	85%	210–230	7.3
Elite Tournament Player	10+	92%	230–250	8.9

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows a strong correlation between spare conversion rates and overall scoring averages. Elite players convert spares over 90% of the time, which significantly reduces open frames and stabilizes scoring. Even with fewer strikes, high spare efficiency leads to consistent high scores.

Tips for Improving Spare Shooting Accuracy

Making spares consistently requires focus, alignment, and repetition. Here are proven techniques used by top bowlers:

Use the Arrows for Targeting

The lane has seven arrows located about 15 feet past the foul line. Right-handed bowlers often aim at the second arrow from the right for a standard 10-pin spare, while left-handers use the second from the left for the 7-pin.

Adjust Your Stance and Aim

Move your starting position based on the spare pattern.
For splits like the 7–10, focus on speed and angle rather than precision targeting.
Practice common spares (e.g., 4–6, 7–10, baby split) regularly.

Choose the Right Ball Speed

Slower speeds allow better control on single-pin spares, especially on worn oil patterns. Avoid rushing your spare shots.

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 value of your next roll. So if you knock down 8 pins on your next ball, your spare frame will total 18 points.

Does a spare give you a bonus? How does it work?

Yes, a spare gives you a bonus equal to the number of pins knocked down on your next ball. That bonus is added to the frame where you got the spare.

Can you get more than 10 pins on a spare?

No, you cannot knock down more than 10 pins in a single frame. But the scoring for a spare includes a bonus from the next roll, so the total points assigned to the frame can exceed 10.

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 score for that frame. This extra roll is only for calculating the spare bonus.

Is a spare better than a strike?

No, a strike is better. A strike earns 10 points plus the next two rolls as bonus, while a spare only includes the next one roll. Strikes have higher scoring potential and are harder to achieve.