ERA Calculator FAQ

Use the outs selector in Basic mode to choose 0, 1, or 2 outs for the partial inning. Or switch to Scorebook mode and enter innings directly using scorebook notation—type 5.1 for five innings and one out, or 5.2 for five innings and two outs. The calculator handles the conversion automatically.

Yes. The formula stays the same, but the game length can be set to 6 innings (softball), 7 innings (high school doubleheaders or softball), 9 innings (MLB/college), or a custom number for any other league format. All ERA calculations scale to the regulation length you select.

It means five innings and two outs, not decimal 5.2. In scorebook notation, .1 equals one-third of an inning and .2 equals two-thirds. So 5.2 means 5 and 2/3 innings pitched. The calculator handles this correctly when Scorebook input mode is selected.

That depends on the level, league, and role, so this calculator keeps the math neutral and exact. In MLB, under 3.00 is excellent, 3.00-4.00 is above average, 4.00-5.00 is average, and above 5.00 is below average. For high school and college, the benchmarks are typically 1-2 runs higher.

Yes. Set the game length to 9 innings for the standard MLB ERA scale. Enter earned runs and innings pitched for a single start or season totals, and the calculator will produce the standard MLB ERA that matches official stat lines from any source.

Yes. Target mode shows how many runs or innings are needed for a chosen ERA. For example, if you have a 4.50 ERA through 40 IP but want to finish at 3.50, the calculator shows how few earned runs you can allow in your remaining innings to reach that goal.

Earned runs are runs that score without the benefit of an error or passed ball—they are the pitcher's responsibility under official scoring. Total runs include unearned runs that scored due to defensive errors. Only earned runs are used in ERA calculation, which is why this calculator asks for earned runs specifically.