How to use it
- Type the Runs scored by the side batting first from the first innings.
- Type the Runs scored by the chasing side so far in its innings.
- Type the Overs bowled so far in cricket notation: 12.4 is 12 overs and 4 balls.
- Set Overs in a full innings to 50 or 20, then read the Required run rate.
How the required rate is worked out
The target is the first side's total plus one, because the chasing side wins by scoring more runs than the side that batted first (ICC clause 16, statement of result). The runs still needed are the target minus the runs scored. The balls left are the overs in a full innings times six, minus the balls bowled, because an over is six valid balls (clause 17.1).
Target = first innings total + 1
Runs needed = target - runs scored
Balls left = overs in a full innings x 6 - balls bowled
Required per over = runs needed x 6 / balls left
Required per ball = runs needed / balls left
Current rate = runs scored x 6 / balls bowledWhat the figures do not include
- The wickets lost and the batters left: they decide whether a required rate can be reached, and the page does not count them.
- A match shortened by rain: its target is set by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (clause 16.4), which this page does not calculate.
- The rules of a particular competition or format: check them, for example the T20 conditions for a 20-over innings.
Worked example: 119 runs from 44 balls
The first side scored 180, so the target is 181. The chasing side has 62 runs after 12.4 overs, which is 76 balls. In a 20-over innings 120 balls are bowled, so 44 balls are left, or 7.2 overs. It needs 181 - 62 = 119 runs: 119 x 6 / 44 = 16.23 runs per over, or 119 / 44 = 2.70 per ball. Its current rate is 62 x 6 / 76 = 4.89 per over.
| Figure | Value |
|---|---|
| Target | 181 |
| Runs still needed | 119 |
| Overs left | 7.2 (44 balls) |
| Required run rate | 16.23 per over |
| Required run rate per ball | 2.70 |
| Current run rate | 4.89 per over |
Frequently asked questions
Why is the target one run more than the first total?
The Playing Conditions say a side wins by scoring a total of runs in excess of the opposing side's total (clause 16.1.1 for a one-innings match, and the statement of result under clause 16), so the chasing side needs one run more. If both innings end level, the match is a tie and a Super Over is played (clause 16.3.1.1).
What does 12.4 mean in overs?
It means 12 overs and 4 balls, which is 76 balls. Only 0 to 5 balls can follow the point, because an over is six valid balls (clause 17.1).
Is the required rate per over or per ball?
Both. The per over figure is the runs needed times six, divided by the balls left. The per ball figure is the runs needed divided by the balls left.
Can I use it for T20 matches?
Yes, by setting the overs in a full innings to 20. The clauses quoted here are from the ODI Playing Conditions, so check the T20 conditions for the rules of that format.
Why does the current rate show a dash?
The current rate needs at least one ball bowled. Before the first ball there is nothing to divide by, so the page shows a dash.
Does the calculator allow for the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method?
No. When rain shortens an innings the target is set by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (clause 16.4). This page does not calculate that target, so use the figure the scorers give you.
Sources
Figures and text last checked on Thursday, November 12, 2026.