How to Keep Score in Baseball

Set up the card

Write each team's batting order down the left column, one player per row, with their jersey number and fielding position. Across the top are the innings. That gives you a grid where every cell is one batter's turn (a plate appearance) in one inning. Fill in the date, teams, and location at the top so the card stands on its own as a record.

Each cell usually has a small baseball diamond printed in it. You'll use that diamond to track what the batter does and how far they get around the bases. When a batter's spot comes up again later in the game, you move to the next inning's column in their row.

Position numbers (1–9)

Scorekeeping never uses fielders' names — it uses a fixed number for each position. Memorizing these is most of the battle, because every fielding play is just a sequence of these numbers. Tap any position below to see what it does; the same numbering drives the decoder further down.

Recording outs

Write outs with the fielders involved, in order. A ball fielded by the shortstop and thrown to first base is 6-3. A fly ball caught by the center fielder is F8; a line out to third is L5; a pop out to second is P4. Strikeouts are K (swinging) and a backward ꓘ or Kc (called). Many scorekeepers also write the out number (1, 2, or 3) in a corner of the box so the inning's outs are easy to count.

Recording hits

For a base hit, mark how far the batter reached: 1B for a single, 2B for a double, 3B for a triple, and HR for a home run. A common style is to draw a line from home toward the base the batter reached along the diamond in the box, so a single fills the line to first base. Note the location if you like (for example “7” for a ball hit to left field).

Advancing runners

As later batters come up, runners move around the bases. Continue tracing each runner's path around the diamond in their own box, and jot how they advanced — a stolen base (SB), a wild pitch (WP), or simply advancing on the next batter's hit. When a runner touches home and scores, fill in the diamond completely; many scorekeepers put a dot or the RBI batter's spot in the middle.

The end of an inning: R, H, E, LOB

After the third out, total that half-inning at the bottom of the column and draw a line to show the inning ended. Four numbers matter:

Carry the running score forward, and the card always reflects the current game state at a glance.

Interactive: scorebook notation decoder

Type any code below to see what it means in plain English, or tap an example. It understands fielding chains (6-4-3), outs (F8, L5, P4), errors (E6), strikeouts, hits, baserunning, and more.

Full notation reference

Frequently asked questions

What do the numbers 1 through 9 mean on a scorecard?

They identify the fielders. Pitcher is 1, catcher 2, first baseman 3, second baseman 4, third baseman 5, shortstop 6, left fielder 7, center fielder 8, and right fielder 9. A ground out from short to first is written 6-3 because the ball went from fielder 6 to fielder 3.

How do I score a strikeout?

Use K for a swinging strikeout and a backward K (ꓘ), often written Kc, for a called third strike where the batter does not swing. Both count as one out for the pitcher.

What does a number like 6-4-3 mean?

It is the sequence of fielders who touched the ball on the play, in order. 6-4-3 is the classic double play: shortstop to second baseman (forcing the runner at second) to first baseman (retiring the batter). Add DP to note it was a double play.

How do I record which base a runner reached?

Most scorecards draw a small diamond in each at-bat box. Trace the runner around the diamond, filling in each base they reach. If they score, fill in the whole diamond (and note how, such as the RBI hitter). If they are stranded, leave the diamond partly drawn.

What is the difference between a hit and an error?

Score a hit when the batter reaches on a fairly-hit ball the defense could not field with ordinary effort. Score an error (E and the fielder number) when a defensive miscue let the batter or runner advance on a ball that should have been an out. The official scorer makes the judgment call.

Do I need a scorecard to keep score?

A pre-printed card makes it far easier because it lays out the batting order and innings for you. Our printable baseball scorecard lets you choose innings, batting slots, and box style, then print it in landscape for the field.