softball era

Question
how do you calculate a pitchers era in softball since it's not a nine inning game?

Answer
Hi Jim:

Thanks for your question.  The standard formula to calculate a pitcher's ERA is the number of earned runs, times 9, all divided by the number of innings pitched.  So, a pitcher who gives up 3 earned runs, in 5 innings of work, would have an ERA of 5.40. ((3 x 9) / 5).

Since most youth leagues don't play nine innings, I would adjust the 9 in the formula to be the number of innings in a complete game for your level.  So if you're playing Junior Softball for example, change it to a 7 ((3 x 7) / 5 = 4.20).

Enjoy the rest of the season Jim!

Cheers,
Gareth