On-base percentage — OBP — measures something broader than batting average: how often a hitter reaches base in any way, whether by hit, walk or hit-by-pitch. It’s one of modern baseball’s favorite metrics because not making an out is, in itself, valuable.
How is it calculated?
OBP = (Hits + Walks + Hit-by-pitches) ÷ (At-bats + Walks + Hit-by-pitches + Sacrifice flies)
Unlike batting average, it does reward walks: a patient hitter who walks a lot can have an excellent OBP even if his average is modest.
What is a good OBP?
| OBP | Level |
|---|---|
| .400 or higher | Elite |
| .360 – .399 | Very good |
| .330 – .359 | Average |
| Below .310 | Below average |
Examples with players
- Juan Soto is the perfect example: his famous eye at the plate gives him one of the best OBPs of his generation.
- Edgar Martínez finished his career with a .418 OBP, one of the highest of the modern era.
[Live data — MLB API] Current-season OBP leaders: (filled in automatically).
Leaders and records
- Single-season record: Barry Bonds, with .609 in 2004.
- Best career OBP: Ted Williams, with .482.
Why it matters
Every time a hitter avoids an out, he helps his team. OBP captures that better than batting average, which is why it’s one of the two halves of OPS and one of the metrics teams value most today.
Related stats
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from batting average?
Average only counts hits; OBP also counts walks and hit-by-pitches, so it rewards patience.
What is a good OBP?
.360 is very good and .400 is elite.
