Q&A for How to Calculate On Base Percentage

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If I only come up to bat once and draw a walk, using this formula my OBP reflected as 0.5. Why is it not 1.0?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The above article does not explain that "AB" in the formula refers to "official at bats." A walk (BB) is not an "official" at-bat. Therefore, in your case, the formula would be OBP = (0 + 1 + 0) / (0 + 1 + 0 + 0) = 1/1 = 1.0.

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Do I calculate a sacrifice bunt in my on-base percentage?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No, sacrifice bunts are not included in the calculation, because they do not reflect on a batter's ability to reach base safely.

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What if I reach base by catcher's interference or fielder's choice?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The above article does not mention catcher's interference, because it is such a rare event. It would be treated similarly to a "hit by pitch," and would thus increase a batter's on-base percentage. A fielder's choice is a unique situation in the sense that the batter reaches first base safely but does not increase his/her on-base percentage, because a teammate is put out at another base (so that, from the batter's team's perspective, nothing good happened on the play).

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Why does a sacrifice fly lower on base average?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Because the batter does not successfully reach first base and thus is not "on base."

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What if a batter reaches base by an error of the defensive team? Does this count as a positive?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It doesn't count at all. In calculating on-base percentage, a plate appearance that ends with the batter reaching base on an error is ignored completely. In other words, it is not included in either the numerator or the denominator of the formula.

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