What bowling economy means
Bowling economy rate is the average number of runs conceded per over bowled. It helps describe how expensive or economical a bowling spell has been. It should not be treated as a complete measure of bowling performance because wickets, dot balls, pressure and match conditions also matter.
Formula
Bowling economy = runs conceded ÷ overs bowled. For a partial over, convert legal balls into a fraction of six. For example, 4 overs and 2 balls equals 26 legal balls, or 4⅓ overs mathematically.
Worked example
A bowler concedes 24 runs in 4 overs. Divide 24 by 4 to get an economy rate of 6.00 runs per over. If 24 runs were conceded in 4 overs and 2 balls, the calculation would use 26 legal balls, or 4.3333 overs, rather than treating 4.2 as a decimal.
Entering bowling figures
- Use the runs conceded figure appropriate to the scorecard.
- Enter overs in cricket notation, such as 4.2 for four overs and two balls.
- The digit after the decimal point must be from 0 to 5.
- Use the same scoring convention when comparing bowlers from different scorecards.
In cricket scoring, not every extra is charged to the bowler. Check the scorecard's bowling figures rather than assuming all team extras are included in runs conceded.
How to interpret the result
A lower economy rate means fewer runs were conceded per over in the period measured. But a bowler's role matters: a bowler attacking for wickets may have different figures from one asked to contain runs. Compare economy alongside wickets, overs, phase of innings, field settings and conditions.
Common mistakes
Do not read 4.2 as 4.2 decimal overs, and do not use team runs conceded if the scorecard lists a different bowling-conceded total. Make sure the overs and runs refer to the same spell or period.
Related tools
Use the Run Rate Calculator to measure team scoring pace or the Required Run Rate Calculator to understand the chase pressure.