DLS Calculator
Duckworth-Lewis-Stern revised target & par score calculator
Rain stops play. The revised target flashes on screen. Is the chasing team ahead or behind? Most bettors guess. You calculate.
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method determines fair targets in rain-interrupted matches. This calculator computes the revised target when overs are reduced, and the par score at any point during a chase. During rain delays, bookmakers reprice based on current score and required rate. But DLS uses resources (overs + wickets). A team 10 runs behind with 8 wickets in hand might be ahead of par. Know the par score before the market adjusts.
Team 1 (First Innings)
Score and overs faced
Team 2 (Chase)
Available overs after rain
Enter current state to see par score
Enter Team 1's score and both teams' overs to calculate the revised target
How the DLS Method Works
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method treats a team's scoring ability as a combination of two resources: overs remaining and wickets in hand. Unlike simpler methods that only adjust for lost overs, DLS accounts for the match situation when rain interrupts play.
The Resources Concept
A team starting with 50 overs and 10 wickets has 100% resources. As overs pass and wickets fall, resources deplete. The key insight: losing wickets depletes resources faster than losing overs, especially early in the innings.
Why Wickets Matter More
A team at 150/1 after 25 overs has far more scoring potential than 150/5 after 25 overs. The DLS resource table reflects this. With 25 overs left and 1 wicket down, you have ~56% resources. With 5 wickets down, only ~43%.
Worked Example
Scenario: Team 1 scores 250 in 50 overs. Rain reduces Team 2's chase to 40 overs.
Team 1 resources: 100% (full 50 overs)
Team 2 resources: 73.2% (40 overs available)
Revised Target = 250 × (73.2 / 100) + 1 = 184 runs
Team 2 needs 184 to win in 40 overs. The target is proportionally reduced because they have fewer resources available.
Common Rain Scenarios in Cricket
Different interruption timings affect DLS calculations differently. Understanding these patterns helps you anticipate how targets will shift during session betting and live markets.
| Scenario | DLS Impact |
|---|---|
IPL late start Match reduced to 15 overs each | Both teams face reduced resources. Target calculated fresh from Team 1's score. No advantage to either side. |
Rain during chase Team 2 loses overs mid-innings | Team 2 loses resources. New target = old score × (new R2 / R1). Wickets in hand become crucial. |
Team 1 innings cut short Rain at 35 overs, Team 1 on 180/4 | Team 1 used fewer resources. If Team 2 gets 50 overs, target may increase (G50 adjustment). |
Multiple delays Stop-start throughout match | Each interruption costs resources. Cumulative effect. Par score recalculated after each resumption. |
Monsoon season: IPL knockout stages and Asia Cup often face multiple interruptions. Par score literacy becomes essential for live betting during these tournaments.
Using DLS for Live Betting
Rain delays create inefficiencies. Bookmakers reprice using algorithms, but the public still overweights current runs and required rate. Your edge comes from understanding resources, not just runs.
Par Score = Your Edge
During rain delays, bookmakers often reprice based on current score and run rate. But DLS uses resources. A team 10 runs behind with 8 wickets in hand might actually be ahead of par. Use the implied probability calculator to convert reopened odds and compare.
The Reopen Window
When play resumes after rain, there's often a window where markets haven't fully adjusted to the new DLS target. Know the par score before bookmakers announce it.
Session Markets After Rain
In India, session betting lines can be wildly inefficient right after resumption. Use par score to evaluate whether "Team 2 over X runs" has value relative to what they need to stay on track.
Rain Delay Betting Checklist
- 1. Calculate par score at current overs/wickets
- 2. Check if chasing team is ahead or behind par
- 3. Compare market odds to your assessment (is the team ahead of par underpriced?)
- 4. Factor in wickets in hand (more wickets = more upside)
Understanding DLS Calculations
The DLS method uses a resource table that maps every combination of overs remaining and wickets lost to a percentage. This table is the engine behind all calculations. For a deeper understanding of cricket betting mathematics, see our cricket betting guide.
The Core Formula
When Team 2 has fewer resources:
Target = Team1Score × (R2 / R1) + 1
When Team 2 has more resources:
Target = Team1Score + G50 × (R2 - R1) / 100 + 1
G50 is the expected average score in a 50-over innings (245 for men's international cricket). This adjustment prevents teams from benefiting when their opponent's innings is cut short.
Resource Table Concept
The resource table contains values for every match state. Key patterns:
- • 50 overs, 0 wickets = 100% (ODI) or scaled to 100% (T20)
- • 25 overs, 0 wickets = ~57% resources remaining
- • 25 overs, 5 wickets = ~43% resources remaining
- • Death overs are worth more because scoring rates increase
Accuracy & Limitations
This calculator uses the DLS Standard Edition methodology. Here's what that means for your calculations:
Standard vs Professional
Official ICC matches use the Professional Edition with proprietary adjustments for high-scoring games. Difference: 1-2 runs in totals above 300.
Mid-Over Interruptions
We interpolate fractional overs (e.g., 17.3 treated as 17.5). Official DLS may use ball-by-ball precision for mid-over stops.
T20 Scaling
The Standard table is designed for 50-over cricket. We scale 20-over resources to 100% for T20 calculations.
For Betting Purposes
This calculator provides directionally accurate par scores. You'll know if a team is ahead or behind, even if the exact figure differs by 1-2 runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DLS par score?
Par score is the score Team 2 should have at any point during their chase to be level with Team 1's performance. If rain stops play and Team 2 is above par, they win. If below par, they lose.
How is the DLS revised target calculated?
DLS compares resources (overs + wickets) available to each team. Formula: Target = Team 1 Score × (Team 2 Resources / Team 1 Resources). If Team 2 has more resources, a different formula applies.
Why do wickets affect the DLS target so much?
Wickets represent scoring potential. A team at 100/1 after 15 overs has far more resources than 100/5. Losing wickets depletes resources faster than losing overs, especially early in the innings.
Is this calculator the same as official ICC DLS?
This uses the DLS Standard Edition methodology (publicly available resource table). Official international matches use the Professional Edition, which has proprietary adjustments for high-scoring games. Results may differ by 1-2 runs in totals above 300. For betting purposes, both give the same directional insight on whether a team is ahead or behind par.
What is the minimum overs needed for a valid DLS result?
For ODIs, both teams must face at least 20 overs (unless bowled out or target achieved). For T20s, the minimum is 5 overs per side.
Does DLS work the same in T20 and ODI?
The same resource table is used, but scaled. In a T20, 20 overs = 100% resources. In an ODI, 20 overs = ~57% resources. This calculator automatically adjusts based on format.
Can I use DLS par score for live betting?
Yes. During rain delays, knowing the par score helps identify value. If bookmakers reprice based on current score rather than par, opportunities exist. The team ahead of par has the advantage.
More Betting Tools
Use these tools alongside DLS calculations. For live betting during rain delays, check our recommended cricket betting sites with in-play markets.