Educational tool only. The official DLS method uses proprietary ICC-licensed software with a detailed resource table. This calculator uses a simplified Standard Edition resource table with linear interpolation. Results are approximate and for learning purposes only — not for official match decisions.
DLS Target Calculator
Simplified Duckworth-Lewis-Stern revised target estimator
Enter Team 1's final score from their completed innings.
Enter the scheduled match overs (typically 20 or 50).
Enter overs available to Team 2 after rain reduction.
If Team 2's innings was already underway when interrupted, enter overs faced and wickets lost at the stoppage.
Click Calculate to see resource percentages, par score, and revised target.
Revised Target = Par Score + 1. G50 = 245 (average 1st innings score in 50-over cricket).
What Is the DLS Method in Cricket?
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is the official mathematical system used by the ICC to set revised targets in limited-overs matches interrupted by rain or other external factors. It replaced the simpler "run rate method" in 1997 and was refined by Professor Steven Stern in 2014, adding his name to what had been the Duckworth-Lewis method.
The core insight behind DLS is that a batting team's resources are not just the overs remaining — they are a combination of overs and wickets in hand. Losing a wicket reduces resources more significantly than losing an over in the early stages. A team that still has 10 wickets has many more resource options than a team with 2 wickets and the same overs remaining.
The method uses a "resource percentage" table (maintained by the ICC) to calculate what proportion of a full innings' resources each team has available. The par score and revised target are then derived from these resource percentages.
Team 1 Resources (R1) = 100% (full innings assumed)
Team 2 Resources (R2) = from resource table (overs & wickets)
If R2 ≤ R1:
Par Score = Team1Score × (R2 ÷ R1)
If R2 > R1 (Team 2 gets MORE resources):
Par Score = Team1Score + G50 × ((R2 − R1) ÷ 100)
Revised Target = ceil(Par Score) + 1
DLS Calculator FAQs
What is the DLS method in cricket?
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is a mathematical system used by the ICC to set fair revised targets in rain-affected limited-overs matches. It calculates revised scores based on the concept of batting "resources" — a combination of overs remaining and wickets in hand — rather than just the number of overs lost.
Is this calculator accurate enough for official match use?
No. This is a simplified educational tool. The official DLS method uses a proprietary resource table maintained by the ICC and implemented in licensed software used by match officials. Our calculator uses a simplified Standard Edition resource table with linear interpolation between key values. Results are approximate and should never be used to make official match decisions.
What does "resource percentage" mean?
Resource percentage represents the proportion of a team's available batting resources — combining overs remaining and wickets in hand. A full innings (all overs, 10 wickets) = 100%. Losing overs reduces resources because there's less time to score. Losing wickets reduces resources because there are fewer batters to rebuild. DLS balances both factors simultaneously.
When does DLS apply — before or during Team 2's innings?
DLS applies in two scenarios: Pre-innings interruption — rain reduces Team 2's overs before they start batting. In this case, "Overs Faced by Team 2" is 0 and wickets lost is 0. Mid-innings interruption — rain stops play while Team 2 is already batting. In this case, enter overs already faced and wickets already lost at the time of stoppage.
Why does DLS sometimes give Team 2 a higher target than Team 1 scored?
This happens when Team 2 has more resources than Team 1 had. For example, if Team 1 batted in difficult early conditions and was then rained off, but Team 2 plays in better conditions with more overs, Team 2 has proportionally more resources. DLS adjusts upward using G50 (the average first-innings score in 50-over cricket, set at 245) to account for the extra opportunity.
What is the difference between par score and revised target?
The par score is the score Team 2 must reach to tie the match under DLS. If Team 2's innings is abandoned at that exact score, the match is declared a tie. The revised target is one run more than the par score — Team 2 must exceed the par score to win. This "target = par + 1" logic ensures a clear winner rather than ties on par.
Does DLS apply in Test cricket?
No. DLS only applies to limited-overs formats (T20 and ODI). Test matches are played over 5 days with provisions for rain days and extra time. The only "target calculation" in Test cricket is a simple runs-to-win target set by the side batting last. There is no resource-based adjustment system for Tests.
Why is G50 set to 245 in this calculator?
G50 is the DLS "average first-innings score" used when Team 2 has more resources than Team 1. It represents the expected runs from a full set of resources in 50-over cricket. The Standard Edition DLS table uses G50 = 245 as a fixed constant. The Professional Edition (used in official matches) updates G50 dynamically based on recent match data, which is one reason official DLS calculations differ from simplified versions.
Is any data stored when I use this calculator?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is sent to any server, stored, or tracked. No cookies, no analytics, no accounts required.