How is a pitchers earned run average calculated?

Question

Well, is pretty self explanatory. And please, no insulting my intelligence, I know how to calculate an average, I just don't know what factors into an ERA. Thank You!

Answer 1

ERA == (earned runs * 9) / innings pitched

Conventionally to two decimals.

Now, if you want to know how earned runs are counted, read MLB Rule 10.16 (linked below), but you might want to stock up on aspirin and brew some coffee first. It's a thick read.

Answer 2

The first answer is completely erroneous. Number of innings pitched dived by earned runs is NOT how you calculate an era. If this were the case, a pitcher who pitches 1 inning and gives up 10 runs would have a 0.1 era. That would be pretty stellar. Totally wrong. An ERA is a calculation of the number of earned runs a pitcher allows based on if the pitcher were to pitch 9 innings. Therefore, to calculate ERA, take the number of earned runs allowed by a pitcher and divide this number by the numbers of innings pitched by the same pitcher. Then, multiply that number by 9 (since and ERA is again based on if the pitcher were to pitch 9 innings). Scenario 1: Pitcher A allows 3 earned runs and pitches 6 complete innings. 3/6 = 0.5 --> 0.5 x 9 = 4.50 ERA Scenario 2: Pitcher B allows 7 earned runs and pitches 5 complete innings. 7/5 = 1.4 --> 1.4 x 9 = 12.6 ERA. Scenario 3: Pitcher C allows 6 earned runs and pitches 4 2/3 innings (meaning he recorded 2 of the 3 outs in the 5th inning. Therefore, he pitched 4 and 2/3). 6 / 4 2/3 = 1.3 --> 1.3 x 9 = 11.7 ERA Hope this helps

Answer 3

Add up the total innings pitched. For every out that is recorded while you are pitching, you get one-third of an inning.
Add up the total number of earned runs given up. If there are no errors in the inning, all the runs are earned runs. If there are errors, reconstruct the inning without the errors to see how many runs would have scored if the fielding had been perfect.
Multiply the earned runs by 9.
Divide by the total innings pitched.
Round the number to the second decimal place. For example, 3.2051 is 3.21.

Other things to consider:

When calculating earned runs, always give the benefit of the doubt to the pitcher.
If an error occurs with two outs, all runs scored after that error are unearned runs.
Any runner who scores is the responsibility of the pitcher who let him or her get on base, even if that pitcher has left the game when the runner scores.
If you leave the game while a batter is still at bat and the pitching count is in the batter's favor (that is, there are more balls than strikes in the count), then the batter is your responsibility.
Have Fun !

Answer 4

Fm. Wikipedia: earned run average (ERA) is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by multiplying the number of earned runs allowed by nine and dividing by the number of innings pitched. Runners reaching base on errors (even errors by pitchers) do not count toward ERA if they later score.

In other words, how many "earned" runs (without errors) did the pitcher give up - per 9 innings pitched. If a pitcher has pitched only 3 innings, and gave up 1 earned run, his ERA is 3.00. (1 run in 3 innings would mean 3 runs in 9 innings).

Does that help you?

Answer 5

Earned runs allowed times the number of innings of a regularly scheduled game at the level you are playing and divide by the number of inniings pitched.

Pro -- 9 innings
HS and amateur (Pony) -- 7 innings
Little League -- 6 innings.

Answer 6

Every time there is a run they average it with all the times he didn't let up a run.
Example: out of 20 hitters 1 got a run = 1/20 = .5
ERA = .5

Answer 7

runs that a pitcher gives up that are a result of any baserunners not reaching as a result of an error and prorating the answer over 9 innings

Answer 8

earned runs / innings pitched *9

The links below will help you witl much more than just ERA.

Everyone who is talking about errors is forgetting about passed balls.