Run rate is the average number of runs scored for each over faced. The basic calculation is total runs divided by overs. Because an over is made up of legal balls, work from the number of legal deliveries rather than treating the over notation as a decimal number.
Calculate the current run rate
Divide the team's runs by the overs completed, including the fraction of the current over that has been bowled. For example, 78 runs after 12 completed overs gives a current run rate of 78 ÷ 12 = 6.50 runs per over.
If a side has scored 91 after 13.2 overs, it has faced 13 overs and two legal balls: 80 legal deliveries in total. That is 80 ÷ 6 = 13⅓ overs, so the rate is 91 ÷ 13⅓, or about 6.83 runs per over. The notation 13.2 does not mean 13.2 decimal overs.
Work out the required run rate in a chase
The required run rate (RRR) is the average pace needed from the remaining legal balls. First find the runs still needed to win, then divide by the overs remaining. In a one-innings chase, the target is normally one more than the first-innings total; follow the displayed target if penalties or playing conditions change it.
For example, if the target is 165 and the chasing side is 75 for 1 after 10 overs of a 20-over innings, it needs 90 runs from 10 overs. Its RRR is 90 ÷ 10 = 9.00 per over.
Now imagine the same side is 75 for 1 after 13.2 overs. It has used 80 of the 120 legal balls, leaving 40 balls, or 6⅔ overs. The 90 runs needed divided by 6⅔ overs gives a required rate of 13.50 per over. Counting balls makes the calculation clear and avoids errors late in an innings.
Compare the two rates carefully
The current run rate describes scoring so far; the required rate describes the pace needed from now on. If the current rate is above the required rate, the batting side is scoring faster than the remaining average it needs. If it is below, the side may need to accelerate. Neither number guarantees a result: wickets in hand, batters at the crease, bowlers remaining and the match situation all matter.
A displayed rate can change sharply after a quiet over, a boundary, a wicket or a change to the target. During a live match, use it as a summary rather than a prediction. To understand the figures that contribute to the total, read the scorecard guide.
Run rate is not the same as net run rate
Current run rate usually describes one team's innings. Net run rate (NRR) is a competition-table measure that compares a team's scoring rate across its matches with the rate at which opponents scored against it. As a simple illustration, in two complete 20-over innings, a side scoring 180 has a rate of 9.00, while an opponent scoring 160 has a rate of 8.00; the difference for that match would be +1.00. Official tournament NRR is calculated across eligible innings, and competition rules determine how shortened or all-out innings are counted.
Interrupted and shortened matches
Rain, a delayed start, penalties or a revised target can change the number of overs and runs required. In a weather-affected chase, a target may be recalculated under the competition's playing conditions. Use the official target and remaining overs shown by the scorer or tournament; do not apply the simple chase example to a revised-target match without checking those rules.
For a consistent score record, note the score, wickets, legal balls and any target change together. See the ball-by-ball scoring routine or follow public games in the match centre.