Batting average is the oldest and most familiar cricket statistic. It tells you how many runs a batter scores, on average, before getting out. The key detail is that not-out innings are not counted as dismissals. This guide explains how to calculate batting average with examples, using our free Batting Average Calculator.
The formula
Batting average = Total runs ÷ Number of times out
Number of times out = Innings − Not outs
Worked example
A batter plays 10 innings, scoring 450 runs, and is not out twice.
- Times out: 10 − 2 = 8
- Average: 450 ÷ 8 = 56.25
If you divided by innings instead, you would get 45.0, which is wrong.
Why not outs matter
| Batter | Runs | Innings | Not outs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 500 | 12 | 0 | 41.67 |
| B | 500 | 12 | 4 | 62.50 |
| C | 500 | 12 | 6 | 83.33 |
Finishers who often remain not out can have very high averages. That is why average should be read with strike rate and role.
Special cases
- Never dismissed: average is undefined (infinite). Scorecards often show it as a dash.
- Retired hurt: usually counted as not out.
- Did not bat: not counted as an innings.
What is a good batting average?
| Format | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 40+ | 50+ |
| ODI | 35+ | 45+ |
| T20 | 25+ | 35+ |
Sir Donald Bradman’s Test average of 99.94 remains the most famous number in cricket.
Average and strike rate
Average shows consistency; strike rate shows tempo. Use both; see the Batting Strike Rate Calculator and read strike rate vs average.
Tracking your own stats
Club cricketers can keep a simple record of runs, innings and not outs per season. Our calculator updates your average instantly.
For how averages change over time, read how to improve your batting average. For bowlers, see the Bowling Average Calculator.
Season averages vs career averages
A season average can swing a lot from a few innings, while a career average changes slowly. When comparing players, use averages from a similar number of innings so the comparison is fair.
Frequently asked questions
How is batting average calculated?
Total runs divided by number of times out.
Do not outs count in batting average?
Their runs count, but they are not counted as dismissals.
What was Bradman’s Test average?
99.94.