WHIP Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the whip calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the WHIP Calculator

Formulas Used

WHIP

whip = round((walks + hits_allowed) / innings_pitched * 1000) / 1000

Total Baserunners

baserunners = walks + hits_allowed

Baserunners per 9 Inn

per_9_baserunners = round((walks + hits_allowed) / innings_pitched * 9 * 10) / 10

Hits per 9 Innings

hits_per_9 = round(hits_allowed / innings_pitched * 9 * 10) / 10

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
walksWalks Allowed25
hits_allowedHits Allowed85
innings_pitchedInnings Pitched100

How It Works

How WHIP Is Calculated

Formula

WHIP = (Walks + Hits) / Innings Pitched

WHIP measures the average number of baserunners a pitcher allows per inning.

Benchmarks

  • Below 1.00: Elite
  • 1.00-1.15: Very good
  • 1.15-1.30: Above average
  • 1.30-1.45: Average
  • Above 1.50: Below average

    • Worked Example

    25 walks and 85 hits allowed over 100 innings.

    walks = 25hits_allowed = 85innings_pitched = 100
    1. 01WHIP = (25 + 85) / 100 = 110 / 100 = 1.100
    2. 02Baserunners per 9 innings = 1.100 * 9 = 9.9

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is WHIP important?

    WHIP directly measures how many batters reach base. Fewer baserunners means fewer runs, making WHIP a strong predictor of pitching effectiveness.

    Which is better, ERA or WHIP?

    Both are valuable. ERA measures run prevention directly. WHIP measures baserunner prevention. A pitcher with a low WHIP but high ERA may be unlucky with timing of hits.

    Does WHIP include hit-by-pitches and errors?

    No. WHIP only counts walks (BB) and hits. HBP, errors, and other ways of reaching base are excluded.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open WHIP Calculator