WHIP = (walks + hits) ÷ innings pitched. A WHIP of 1.000 means the pitcher allows exactly one baserunner per inning on average — elite level. MLB average WHIP is approximately 1.25–1.35. Below 1.10 is excellent; above 1.50 is poor. WHIP captures two of the three true outcomes (walks and hits) that are within a pitcher's control, making it more reliable than ERA (which can be inflated by poor fielding). It is one of the most predictive single-season pitching statistics.
- (Walks + Hits) / IP
- 1.000 = elite (one baserunner per inning)
- MLB average ~1.25–1.35
- More fielder-independent than ERA
How to calculate WHIP
WHIP = (Walks + Hits) ÷ Innings Pitched. Example: a pitcher who allowed 52 walks and 163 hits in 180 innings: (52 + 163) ÷ 180 = 1.194. For partial innings, convert thirds to decimals: 180.2 IP = 180.667 decimal innings.
WHIP benchmarks
Under 1.00: historically elite, rare even for Cy Young winners. 1.00–1.10: excellent, top-10 MLB starter territory. 1.10–1.25: above average. 1.25–1.40: league average. 1.40–1.60: below average. Above 1.60: poor.
WHIP vs ERA
ERA is influenced by fielding and sequencing — pitchers who cluster hits into one inning are penalised more. WHIP is fielder-independent and sequencing-neutral, making it more stable and predictive year-to-year than ERA.
FAQ
What is a good WHIP in baseball?
Below 1.10 is excellent. Between 1.10 and 1.25 is above average. MLB average for starters is 1.25–1.35. Relief pitchers typically post lower WHIPs than starters.
Does WHIP count hit by pitches?
No. Standard WHIP counts only walks and hits, not HBP. A pitcher who hits many batters is not penalised in the standard metric.
What is the lowest single-season WHIP in MLB history?
Pedro Martínez holds the modern-era record at 0.7373 in 2000 — 128 hits and 32 walks in 217 innings. One of the greatest single-season pitching performances in baseball history.