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Required run rate calculator for a chase

  

Target to win: the opposition total plus one.

Format

runs
runs
overs

Overs.balls, as on a scorecard: 14.3 = 14 overs 3 balls.

Required run rate

10.63

85 needed off 48 balls (8.0 overs). Current rate 8.

Runs per ball
1.77
Faster than now by
2.63 an over
01020308 overs left1 over left
Required rateCurrent rate

How we got this

  1. 181 − 96 = 85 needed
  2. 120 − 72 = 48 balls left
  3. 85 × 6 ÷ 48 = 10.63 an over

Why the asking rate bends upward

With the runs needed fixed, the required rate is divided by fewer and fewer balls. A quiet over late in the chase lifts it far more than one early on.

For tournament standings after the match, use the net run rate calculator.

Sources

What this calculator does not account for

  • Wickets in hand and who is still to bat.
  • DLS revised targets, which you need to take from the officials.
  • Free hits, penalty runs and other one-off events.

How this is calculated

Formula: Required run rate

required rate =(target − score) × 6 ÷ balls left

What the symbols mean

  • targetRuns to win: the first-innings total plus one.
  • scoreRuns the chasing side has now.
  • balls leftQuota in balls minus balls bowled.

Good to know

  • The current run rate is runs × 6 ÷ balls bowled. If the required rate is higher, the chase needs to speed up.
  • After a rain break, the target comes from the officials' DLS calculation; this page does not work it out.

Read the full methodologyFound an error? Contact us

Worked examples

Each example is worked out by the same code as the calculator above.

T20: chasing 180, 96 after 12 overs

Target 181, so 85 needed off 48 balls. 85 × 6 ÷ 48 = 10.63 an over.

ODI: chasing 270, 180 after 40 overs

91 needed off 60 balls: 9.1 an over, against 4.5 so far.

Embed this calculator

The frame shows the tool only.

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Questions

What is the difference between required and current run rate?

Current rate is how fast the side has scored so far. Required rate is how fast it must score from here to win.

Should I enter the opposition's score or the target?

The target. Chasing 180, the target is 181; reaching 180 only ties.

Does it consider wickets in hand?

No. Eight an over with seven wickets left is much easier than with two, so read the rate alongside the wickets.