1. What Are Earned Runs?

Earned runs are runs scored by the batting team that are the direct result of the pitcher's performance, excluding runs scored due to fielding errors or passed balls. They are a key statistic for evaluating pitcher performance.

2. How Earned Runs Are Calculated

The basic formula for earned runs is:

Where:

• Total Runs — All runs scored by the batting team
• Unearned Runs — Runs that scored because of errors or passed balls

Explanation: Official scorers determine which runs are earned by reconstructing the inning without errors. If a run would have scored without the error, it's still earned.

3. Importance of Earned Runs

Details: Earned runs are used to calculate Earned Run Average (ERA), one of the most important statistics for evaluating pitchers. A lower ERA indicates better pitching performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total runs scored by the team and the number of those runs that were unearned (due to errors). The calculator will determine the earned runs charged to the pitcher.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between earned and unearned runs?
A: Earned runs are the pitcher's responsibility, while unearned runs result from defensive mistakes (errors) that extend innings.

Q2: How do errors affect earned runs?
A: If an error occurs during a play, any runs that score after that point in the inning might be unearned, depending on whether they would have scored without the error.

Q3: Are all runs earned if there are no errors?
A: Yes, in a perfect defensive game with no errors, all runs would be earned runs charged to the pitcher.

Q4: What about passed balls or wild pitches?
A: Passed balls are considered the catcher's fault and can make runs unearned. Wild pitches are the pitcher's responsibility and count toward earned runs.

Q5: How is this used in ERA calculation?
A: ERA = (Earned Runs × 9) ÷ Innings Pitched. It shows how many earned runs a pitcher allows per 9 innings.