How to Keep Score in Softball

By Patrick Poulin · Updated October 29, 2026

To keep score in softball, give every fielder a number (pitcher 1 through right field 9), then record each plate appearance in that batter's box with a short code: 1B, 2B, 3B or HR for hits, K for a strikeout, BB for a walk, and the fielders' numbers for outs, such as 6-3 for a shortstop-to-first groundout. Trace the runner's path around the small diamond in the box and fill it in when they score.

The position numbers#

Every scorebook uses the same numbers for the defense. They let you write a whole play in a few characters.

• 1 pitcher
• 2 catcher
• 3 first base
• 4 second base
• 5 third base
• 6 shortstop
• 7 left field
• 8 center field
• 9 right field

Slowpitch teams often play a tenth fielder. Most scorers call that player 10, whether your league calls the spot short fielder, rover or fourth outfielder. Write a note at the top of the page so everyone reading the book knows where 10 was standing.

Recording each plate appearance#

Each batter gets a row and each inning gets a column. When a batter comes up, you write the result in the box where their row meets the inning.

Hits

• 1B, 2B, 3B, HR for a single, double, triple and home run. Many scorers add the fielder the ball went to, such as 1B7 for a single to left.

Outs

• K for a strikeout swinging. A backwards K is a strikeout looking.
• 6-3 for a ground ball fielded by the shortstop and thrown to first. List every fielder who touched the ball, in order.
• F8 for a fly out to center field. L6 is a line drive caught by the shortstop. P4 is a pop-up to second.
• DP next to the play for a double play, and FC for a fielder's choice, where the fielder got another runner out instead of the batter.
• SF for a sacrifice fly, where a runner tags up and scores on a caught fly ball.

Other ways to reach base

• BB for a walk.
• E plus the fielder's number for an error, such as E5 when the third baseman misplays the ball.

Write the out number (1, 2 or 3) in a circle in the corner of the box as each out happens. It makes it easy to check the inning was scored correctly.

Tracking runners#

The small diamond in each box is the base path. When the batter reaches first, draw the line from home to first. As they advance, keep drawing and note why they moved: the batting-order number of the hitter who drove them along, SB for a stolen base where your league allows stealing, or E plus a number for an error. When the runner crosses the plate, fill in the diamond. A filled diamond is a run.

Totaling the box score#

At the end of the game, add up each batter's row:

• AB (at bats) counts plate appearances, minus walks, hit-by-pitches and sacrifices.
• H (hits) counts every 1B, 2B, 3B and HR.
• R (runs) counts the batter's filled-in diamonds.
• RBI (runs batted in) counts the runs that scored because of the batter's hit, walk, sacrifice or out. Don't credit one when the batter grounds into a double play, or when the run scored only because of an error.

Batting average is hits divided by at bats. Add the runs column for both teams and check it against the scoreboard. If they don't match, a run was missed somewhere in the book.

Tips that save arguments#

• Keep the book in pencil.
• Confirm the batting order with the other team's book before the first pitch.
• Write down substitutions the moment they happen, with the inning.
• When a play is unclear, write down what you saw and settle the scoring after the game.

About the author. Patrick Poulin founded Softball.love and manages adult rec softball teams. More about Patrick →