Pitcher's ERA Calculator

Pitcher's Earned Run Average (ERA) Calculator

ERA Formula:

\[ ERA = \frac{\text{Earned Runs} \times 9}{\text{Innings Pitched}} \]

Earned Run Average (ERA):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Earned Run Average (ERA)?

ERA is a statistic in baseball that measures a pitcher's effectiveness, calculated as the average number of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It's one of the most important metrics for evaluating pitcher performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard ERA formula:

\[ ERA = \frac{\text{Earned Runs} \times 9}{\text{Innings Pitched}} \]

Where:

Earned Runs — Runs for which the pitcher is held accountable
Innings Pitched — Number of innings the pitcher has completed
9 — Represents the standard length of a baseball game

Explanation: The formula scales the earned runs to a standard 9-inning game to allow comparison between pitchers regardless of how many innings they've pitched.

3. Importance of ERA in Baseball

Details: ERA is crucial for evaluating pitcher performance, comparing pitchers across different teams and eras, and making strategic decisions about pitcher usage. A lower ERA indicates better performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total earned runs allowed by the pitcher and the total innings pitched. Innings can be entered with decimal points (e.g., 6.2 for 6⅔ innings).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a good ERA?
A: In modern baseball, an ERA below 4.00 is generally good, below 3.00 is excellent, and below 2.00 is exceptional.

Q2: How does ERA differ from WHIP?
A: WHIP (Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched) measures baserunners allowed, while ERA measures runs allowed. Both are important pitcher metrics.

Q3: Why multiply by 9 in the formula?
A: Baseball games are typically 9 innings long, so this standardizes the statistic to represent runs per full game.

Q4: What's the difference between earned and unearned runs?
A: Earned runs are those that score without the benefit of errors, while unearned runs result from defensive miscues and don't count toward ERA.

Q5: Can ERA be compared across different eras?
A: While ERA is era-adjusted to some degree, the "live ball" and "dead ball" eras had different scoring environments that affect ERA comparisons.