Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator
Calculate earned run average to measure pitching effectiveness and run prevention per nine innings.
Baseball ERA Calculator
Calculate Earned Run Average (ERA) instantly. Supports 9-inning (MLB), 7-inning (Softball/HS), and 6-inning (Little League) games.
Pitching Stats
Enter your pitching statistics to calculate ERA
Understanding the Inputs
Key metrics for calculating ERA
Earned Runs (ER)
Runs scored against a pitcher without the benefit of errors or passed balls.
Count: Base hits, Walks, HRs
Exclude: Fielding Errors (Unearned Runs)
Innings Pitched (IP)
The number of innings a pitcher remains in the game.
Format: 6.1 means 6 innings & 1 out
Format: 6.2 means 6 innings & 2 outs
Formula Used
ERA = (Earned Runs / Innings Pitched) × Innings Per Game
The standard multiplier is 9 for MLB/College. For High School/Softball it is 7, and for Little League it is 6. This normalizes the stat to show how many runs a pitcher gives up over a full game.
For over a century, Earned Run Average (ERA) has been the primary measuring stick for pitchers. It answers the most fundamental question: "How many runs does this pitcher give up?"
Earned Run Average (ERA) is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (or the regulation length of a game in that league).
It acts as an efficiency rating. The lower the number, the better the pitcher is at preventing opponents from scoring.
How ERA is Calculated
The universal formula is:
ERA = (Earned Runs / Innings Pitched) × Innings Per Game
While MLB uses 9 as the multiplier, Softball and High School Baseball often use 7. Little League uses 6. This ensures the stat is normalized to "runs per full game."
Example: A pitcher allows 2 runs in 6 innings of an MLB game.
2 divided by 6 = 0.333
0.333 times 9 = 3.00 ERA
Benchmarks: What is a "Good" ERA?
Context is king (era, ballpark, league), but generally:
Major League Baseball (MLB)
Under 2.00: Historic. A serious Cy Young contender.
2.00 - 3.00: Elite. An "Ace" or #1 starter.
3.00 - 3.75: Very Good. A reliable #2 or #3 starter.
3.75 - 4.25: League Average. Keeps the team in the game.
Over 4.50: Below Average. At risk of losing a rotation spot.
Over 5.00: Poor. Likely demoted to the bullpen or minors.
College & High School
ERAs tend to be slightly lower in high school due to weaker hitting, but the variance is higher. An ERA under 2.00 is expected for a college recruit.
Strategies to Lower Your ERA
1. First-Pitch Strikes
The most important pitch in baseball is strike one. Hitters bat significantly worse when falling behind 0-1. Getting ahead allows you to expand the zone and force weak contact.
2. Limit Walks (BB)
Walks are "free passes." Unlike hits, the defense cannot help you. Walks often turn into runs. A high walk rate almost always correlates with a high ERA.
3. Manage Movement, Not Just Velocity
At higher levels, velocity helps, but movement kills. A 90mph fastball that is straight is easier to hit than an 85mph fastball with late sink or run.
Earned vs. Unearned Runs
This is the most common confusion point.
Earned Run: A run for which the pitcher is held accountable. (Hits, walks, home runs).
Unearned Run: A run that scored ONLY because of a fielding error or passed ball. If an inning "should have been over" (e.g., 2 outs and a ground ball is booted), subsequent runs are typically unearned. These do NOT count against your ERA.
Limitations of ERA
While ERA is the "headline" stat, it has flaws:
Defense Dependent: A pitcher with a gold-glove shortstop will have a lower ERA than the same pitcher with a poor defense efficiently fielding ground balls.
Timing Luck: Giving up 3 hits in a row scores runs. Giving up 3 hits spread over 9 innings scores zero. Sequencing luck plays a huge role.
Reliever Bias: If a reliever enters with bases loaded and gives up a grand slam, those runs are charged to the *previous* pitcher who put the runners on base. This can unfairly inflate a starter's ERA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ERA
Does an error count against ERA?
No. If a run scores due to a fielding error, it is classified as an "Unearned Run" and does not increase your Earned Run Average.
What is the lowest ERA in history?
In the modern era (post-1920 live-ball), Bob Gibson's 1.12 ERA in 1968 is the standard. It was so dominant that MLB lowered the pitcher's mound the following year.
Why is my ERA not a whole number?
Because runs are integers but innings are divisions of 9 (or 7), ERA almost always results in a decimal. It is standard to carry it to two decimal places (e.g., 3.14).
Is WHIP better than ERA?
WHIP (Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched) is often a better predictor of future performance because it removes the "sequencing luck" of when hits occur. However, preventing runs (ERA) is still the ultimate goal.
Does a Passed Ball count as an Earned Run?
No. A passed ball is considered a defensive mistake by the catcher. Runs scoring solely due to a passed ball are unearned. Wild Pitches (fault of the pitcher), however, DO lead to earned runs.
Usage of this Calculator
Who Should Use This Calculator?
PitchersTrack your season progress. Know exactly where you stand in rotation battles.
Parents & CoachesAccurately calculate stats for team websites or college recruiting profiles.
Fantasy Baseball PlayersProject future ERA based on underlying metrics and recent performance.
RecruitersQuickly normalize stats from different leagues (7-inning vs 9-inning) to compare prospects.
Summary
The Baseball ERA Calculator is the essential tool for evaluating run prevention.
By accurately accounting for game length and distinguishing earned runs from unearned ones, it provides a clear picture of a pitcher's dominance on the mound.
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Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator
Calculate earned run average to measure pitching effectiveness and run prevention per nine innings.
How to use Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator:
Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
Calculate. The calculator will automatically compute and display your results
Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator?
Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.
Is the Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator free to use?
Yes, the Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.
Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?
Yes, the Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Are the results from Baseball/Softball Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator accurate?
Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.