How to Calculate the wOBA

The search for the perfect statistic of baseball hitting is never-ending. The most common statistic, the average, is not great because it counts a single the same as a home run. Slugging percentage weights them, but not accurately: A double is not worth twice what a single is, and a triple is not worth three times as much. Weighted on base average (wBOA) attempts to weight the different types of hits accurately.

Instructions

    • 1

      Enter the data. On row 1 of a spreadsheet, enter the following statistics: Column A: "Nonintentional walks," Column B: "Times hit by pitch," Column C: "Singles," Column D: "Times reached base on error," Column E: "Doubles," Column F: "Triples," Column G: "Home runs" and "Column H: Plate appearances." You may also enter the player's name in Column J.

    • 2

      Enter the formula in Cell I1: It is =(0.72*A1 + 0.75*B1 + 0.90*C1 + 0.92*D1 + 1.24*E1 + 1.56*F1 + 1.95*G1) /H1. The resulting number will be the wOBA for the player in row 1.

    • 3

      Add more data. Repeat step 1 for additional players.

    • 4

      Repeat the calculation. You do not need to re-enter the formula. If you put the mouse on the lower right corner of cell I1, you can drag the formula down as many rows as you wish. If you prefer not to use the mouse, you can cut cell I1 (with control-C) and copy it to other cells in column I with control-V.