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Pitch Count Calculator: How Many Days of Rest?
Pick the age or level, enter today's pitch count, and get the rest days and the first day that pitcher can throw again. The numbers come from MLB Pitch Smart.
Daily max and rest days by age
| Age | Daily max | 0 days rest | 1 day | 2 days | 3 days | 4 days | 5 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-8 | 50 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 9-10 | 75 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | 51-65 | 66-75 | N/A |
| 11-12 | 85 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | 51-65 | 66-85 | N/A |
| 13-14 | 95 | 1-20 | 21-35 | 36-50 | 51-65 | 66-95 | N/A |
| 15-16 | 95 | 1-30 | 31-45 | 46-60 | 61-75 | 76-95 | N/A |
| 17-18 | 105 | 1-30 | 31-45 | 46-60 | 61-80 | 81-105 | N/A |
| 19-22 | 120 | 1-30 | 31-45 | 46-60 | 61-80 | 81-105 | 106-120 |
Pitches in a day. N/A: no rest tier that high at that age, because the daily max comes first. The five-day tier (106-120 pitches, ages 19-22) is from Pitch Smart's 2018 update. Source: MLB Pitch Smart.
Every age, from Pitch Smart: No pitcher shall appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts.
How rest days work
Rest days are full calendar days off from pitching, counted after the day the pitcher threw. A pitcher who throws Monday and needs 2 days of rest sits Tuesday and Wednesday and can pitch again Thursday. Zero days of rest means that pitcher can go again the next day. For each age, read across the table to the pitch count and up to the rest days. For the reasons behind each number, see pitch count rules by age.
Common questions
How many days of rest does a pitcher need after 40 pitches?
It depends on age. Under Pitch Smart, a pitcher 14 or younger needs 2 days after 36-50 pitches. A pitcher 15 or older needs 1 day after 31-45 pitches.
What is the pitch limit for a 12-year-old?
Pitch Smart sets the daily max at 85 pitches for ages 11-12. After 66 or more pitches, that pitcher needs 4 days of rest.
How do rest days count?
Rest days are full calendar days after the day the pitcher threw. A pitcher who throws Monday and needs 2 days of rest sits Tuesday and Wednesday and can pitch again Thursday.
Does my league have to use Pitch Smart?
No. Pitch Smart is a set of guidelines. Leagues and state associations set their own rules, and many are close to Pitch Smart but not the same. New Jersey high schools, for example, allow 110 pitches per game. Follow your league's rule when it is stricter.
These are MLB Pitch Smart guidelines. Your league or state may differ. A planning guide, not medical advice.