WHIP Calculator

About WHIP Calculator

Welcome to the WHIP Calculator, the ultimate tool for baseball sabermetrics enthusiasts, coaches, fantasy baseball players, and analysts. WHIP (Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched) is one of the most important pitching statistics in baseball, measuring a pitcher's ability to prevent baserunners. Our calculator provides instant results with quality ratings, step-by-step breakdowns, and MLB benchmark comparisons.

What is WHIP in Baseball?

WHIP stands for Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched. It's a sabermetric measurement that calculates the average number of baserunners a pitcher allows per inning, combining both hits and walks (base on balls). Unlike ERA, which can be influenced by factors outside a pitcher's control (fielding, luck with runners in scoring position), WHIP directly measures the pitcher's effectiveness at preventing batters from reaching base.

WHIP has become essential in modern baseball analysis because it's a more predictive stat than ERA for future performance. A pitcher with a low WHIP is consistently keeping runners off base, which typically leads to fewer runs allowed over time.

The WHIP Formula

Where:

• Hits (H) = Total hits allowed by the pitcher
• Walks (BB) = Total walks (bases on balls) issued by the pitcher
• Innings Pitched (IP) = Total innings pitched, including partial innings

Understanding WHIP Quality Ratings

WHIP values are typically interpreted using these MLB-standard benchmarks:

MLB WHIP Records and Averages

Understanding historical WHIP data provides context for evaluating pitcher performance:

How to Use This WHIP Calculator

1. Enter Hits Allowed (H): Input the total number of hits the pitcher has allowed during the period you're calculating.
2. Enter Walks Allowed (BB): Input the total number of walks (bases on balls) issued by the pitcher.
3. Enter Innings Pitched (IP): Input the total innings pitched. For partial innings, use decimal notation (see below).
4. Click Calculate: Get your WHIP result with quality rating, step-by-step breakdown, and benchmark comparison.

Entering Partial Innings

In baseball, partial innings are recorded as fractions. When entering innings pitched:

• X.1 or X.33 = X and 1/3 innings (one out recorded)
• X.2 or X.67 = X and 2/3 innings (two outs recorded)

For example, "6.2" means 6 and 2/3 innings pitched (6 complete innings plus 2 outs in the 7th).

WHIP vs ERA: Understanding the Difference

While both WHIP and ERA measure pitching effectiveness, they tell different stories:

• WHIP measures baserunners allowed per inning - it's a "process" stat showing how well a pitcher prevents batters from reaching base
• ERA measures earned runs allowed per nine innings - it's an "outcome" stat that can be influenced by timing, fielding, and luck

A pitcher can have a low ERA but high WHIP if they get lucky with runners left stranded. Conversely, a pitcher with a low WHIP but high ERA may have been unlucky with timing of hits. Over time, WHIP tends to be more predictive of future ERA than ERA itself.

WHIP in Fantasy Baseball

WHIP is one of the standard "5x5" pitching categories in fantasy baseball (along with Wins, Saves, Strikeouts, and ERA). Fantasy managers should note:

• Relief pitchers often have lower WHIPs than starters due to smaller sample sizes and selective usage
• High-strikeout pitchers tend to have better WHIPs as strikeouts avoid balls in play
• Ground ball pitchers may have slightly higher WHIPs but can still be effective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WHIP in baseball?

WHIP stands for Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched. It measures how many baserunners a pitcher allows per inning, combining both hits and walks. A lower WHIP indicates better pitching performance. The formula is: WHIP = (Hits + Walks) / Innings Pitched.

What is a good WHIP for a pitcher?

In MLB, a WHIP below 1.00 is considered elite (Cy Young caliber), 1.00-1.10 is excellent, 1.10-1.25 is great, 1.25-1.35 is above average, 1.35-1.50 is average, and above 1.50 is below average. The league average typically hovers around 1.30.

How do I enter partial innings for WHIP calculation?

For partial innings, use decimal notation: enter 0.1 or 0.33 for 1/3 of an inning (one out recorded), and 0.2 or 0.67 for 2/3 of an inning (two outs recorded). For example, 6.2 innings means 6 and 2/3 innings pitched.

Why is WHIP important compared to ERA?

While ERA measures runs allowed, WHIP directly measures a pitcher's ability to prevent baserunners regardless of whether they score. A pitcher can have a low ERA due to luck (stranded runners) but a high WHIP signals future trouble. WHIP is considered a more predictive stat for future performance.

What is the lowest WHIP in MLB history?

The lowest single-season WHIP in modern MLB history is 0.7373 by Pedro Martinez in 2000. For career WHIP (minimum 1000 IP), Mariano Rivera holds the record at 1.0003. Addie Joss has the best career WHIP at 0.9678 among pre-modern era pitchers.

Related Resources

• MLB Career WHIP Leaders - Baseball Reference
• Current MLB WHIP Leaders - FanGraphs

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