Exit Velocity Calculator
Estimate the speed of the ball off the bat based on swing and pitch speed.
What is Exit Velocity?
In baseball and softball, Exit Velocity (also known as exit speed) is the speed at which the ball flies off the bat immediately after contact. It is one of the most critical metrics for scouts and coaches because it directly correlates with hitting distance and the likelihood of a base hit.
The "harder" you hit the ball, the less time the defense has to react. For every 1 MPH increase in exit velocity, a ball typically travels an extra 4 to 6 feet, assuming the launch angle remains optimal.
How is Exit Velocity Calculated?
While technology like Statcast or Rapsodo measures this using radar or cameras, you can estimate it using the physics of collision. The formula used in this calculator is:
Where q represents the "collision efficiency" or the Coefficient of Restitution (COR). Wood bats typically have an efficiency of around 0.20, meaning they return about 20% of the pitch speed back into the ball's exit speed, while high-performing composite bats can reach higher values.
Exit Velocity Benchmarks
| Level of Play | Average Exit Velocity (MPH) | Elite Exit Velocity (MPH) |
|---|---|---|
| Youth (12U) | 50 – 60 | 70+ |
| High School | 75 – 85 | 95+ |
| College (D1) | 88 – 95 | 105+ |
| MLB | 89 – 100 | 115+ |
Examples of Exit Velocity Logic
- Example 1: A major leaguer swings at 80 MPH against a 95 MPH fastball with a wood bat (0.20 efficiency). The calculation would be: (0.20 * 95) + (1.20 * 80) = 19 + 96 = 115 MPH.
- Example 2: A youth player swings at 50 MPH against a 50 MPH pitch with a composite bat (0.26 efficiency). The calculation would be: (0.26 * 50) + (1.26 * 50) = 13 + 63 = 76 MPH.
How to Increase Your Exit Velocity
- Improve Bat Speed: This is the biggest factor. Focus on rotational power and grip strength.
- Optimize Contact Point: Hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" ensures maximum energy transfer (the highest 'q' value).
- Use the Whole Body: Power comes from the ground up. Use your legs and core, not just your arms.
- Timing: Being "on time" allows you to reach maximum bat speed at the moment of impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pitch speed matter?
Yes, but not as much as bat speed. Every 1 MPH of pitch speed adds roughly 0.2 MPH to exit velocity, while every 1 MPH of bat speed adds roughly 1.2 MPH.
What is the highest exit velocity ever recorded?
In the Statcast era, Giancarlo Stanton and Oneil Cruz have recorded exit velocities exceeding 122 MPH.