Baseball Pitch Speed Calculator
The Baseball Pitch Speed Calculator estimates pitch velocity by measuring the time it takes for a ball to travel a set distance. This tool helps coaches, players, and scouts determine throw speed and batter reaction times without a radar gun. Whether you are using a stopwatch, analyzing video, or training young athletes, this calculator provides educational speed classifications.
How Pitch Speed Is Calculated
Pitch speed represents the velocity of a baseball traveling from the pitcher's hand to home plate. To find this, we use the standard physics formula relating distance and time.
Speed = Distance / Time
Where:
- Distance = Throwing distance in feet
- Time = Flight duration in seconds
First, measure the distance from the pitcher's release point to home plate, which is typically 60.5 feet. Next, record the flight time using a stopwatch or video frame count. Dividing the distance by the time gives you the speed in feet per second. Finally, convert this number to miles per hour by multiplying by 0.68 to get the standard reading. This method relies on the fundamental relationship between time, distance, and velocity, providing a reliable estimate when radar guns aren't available.
What Your Pitch Speed Means
Your result indicates the velocity of the pitch, which is critical for comparing a player's skill level against specific standards.
Youth Development: For players under 14, speeds ranging from 40 to 60 mph are normal. Coaches should prioritize proper mechanics over throwing hard to prevent injury at this stage.
High School & College: Varsity players typically throw between 75 and 85 mph. To get noticed by college scouts, aim for speeds above 85 mph consistently during games and showcases.
Professional Aspirations: Elite pitchers generally throw over 90 mph. At this velocity, batters have less than 0.4 seconds to react, making the pitch extremely difficult to hit.
Disclaimer: This calculation is for informational purposes only. Manual timing methods can result in slight variances compared to radar guns due to human reaction delay or air resistance. To get the standardized assessment of your ability, calculate the average speed of several pitches rather than relying on a single number.
Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.
View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →