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Cricket Maths

Maths in cricket: runs and boundaries

Count 4s and 6s as repeated groups.

Quick answer

Maths in cricket: runs and boundaries means counting how many times a batsman hits the ball and runs to score 4 or 6 runs. This is like repeated addition – if a batsman hits 3 sixes, that's 6 + 6 + 6 = 18 runs.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count how many runs are scored by hitting 4s and 6s, and you will understand how to add them up using repeated addition or multiplication. Success signs:
  • You can tell the difference between a 4-run boundary and a 6-run boundary
  • You can count how many 4s and 6s a batsman hits
  • You can add up the total runs from 4s and 6s
  • You can use repeated addition or multiplication to find the total

Why this matters

Cricket is a fun sport where maths helps you understand how players score points. When a batsman hits the ball and runs to the boundary, they can score either 4 or 6 runs. You can use maths to work out how many runs they’ve scored in total. This helps you understand the game better and even helps you play or watch cricket with more excitement!

How it works

Let’s imagine you are watching a cricket match and you are counting how many runs are scored by hitting 4s and 6s. 1. A 4-run boundary happens when the ball reaches the boundary after 4 runs are scored. 2. A 6-run boundary happens when the ball reaches the boundary after 6 runs are scored. 3. To find the total runs, you can add them up using repeated addition or multiplication. For example:
  • If a batsman hits 2 sixes, that’s 6 + 6 = 12 runs
  • If a batsman hits 3 fours, that’s 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 runs
  • If a batsman hits 1 six and 2 fours, that’s 6 + 4 + 4 = 14 runs

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a few real-life examples of how this works in cricket. Example 1: The batsman hits 3 sixes
  • Each six = 6 runs
  • 3 sixes = 6 + 6 + 6 = 18 runs
  • Or you can multiply: 3 × 6 = 18 runs
Example 2: The batsman hits 5 fours
  • Each four = 4 runs
  • 5 fours = 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 20 runs
  • Or you can multiply: 5 × 4 = 20 runs
Example 3: Mixed boundaries
  • 1 six = 6 runs
  • 3 fours = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 runs
  • Total = 6 + 12 = 18 runs
  • Or you can multiply: 1 × 6 + 3 × 4 = 18 runs
You can also imagine this with real objects:
  • Imagine 3 groups of 6 apples – that’s 6 + 6 + 6 = 18 apples
  • Imagine 5 groups of 4 toys – that’s 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 20 toys

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Cricket Match Score Tracker You are the scorekeeper for a cricket match. You have a notebook and a pencil. Your job is to count how many runs are scored from 4s and 6s. Here’s how your adventure goes: 1st time: You see the batsman hit a six. You write "6" in your notebook. 2nd time: You see the batsman hit a four. You write "4" in your notebook. 3rd time: You see the batsman hit another six. You write "6" in your notebook. 4th time: You see the batsman hit another four. You write "4" in your notebook. 5th time: You see the batsman hit a six. You write "6" in your notebook. Now, add them up:
  • 6 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 6 = 26 runs
Challenge: How many runs would you have if the batsman hit 2 fours and 3 sixes? Answer: 2 fours = 4 + 4 = 8 runs 3 sixes = 6 + 6 + 6 = 18 runs Total = 8 + 18 = 26 runs

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Adding the numbers wrong when counting 4s and 6s Why it happens: Children might get confused when adding big numbers or lose track of how many they’ve counted. Fix: Use objects or draw pictures to help you count. You can also write down each number and add them one by one.
  • Mistake: Confusing 4s and 6s Why it happens: Sometimes 4s and 6s look similar in a game or when counting. Fix: Use different colours or shapes to keep track. For example, use red for 4s and blue for 6s.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to add up all the runs Why it happens: It’s easy to forget one or two numbers when counting. Fix: Always double-check your total by adding the numbers again or using a calculator.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child understand cricket maths by:
  • Playing a game where you pretend to be a cricket player and score 4s and 6s
  • Using real-life examples like counting how many cookies are in 3 groups of 6
  • Using a whiteboard or paper to draw out the maths
  • Encouraging your child to write down the numbers they count
  • Practising with simple addition and multiplication
What to say:
  • "Let’s count how many 4s and 6s you hit"
  • "Can you show me how you added them up?"
  • "What if you hit 2 sixes and 3 fours? How many runs would that be?"
What not to worry about:
  • It’s okay if your child makes a mistake – that’s how they learn!
  • Don’t push too hard – keep it fun and simple
  • Let them use their fingers or draw pictures to help

Practice questions

  1. How many runs are scored if a batsman hits 3 sixes?
  2. How many runs are scored if a batsman hits 4 fours?
  3. If a batsman hits 2 sixes and 3 fours, how many runs is that?
  4. How many runs are scored if a batsman hits 5 sixes?
  5. How many runs are scored if a batsman hits 6 fours?
Answers:
  1. 3 × 6 = 18 runs
  2. 4 × 4 = 16 runs
  3. 2 × 6 + 3 × 4 = 12 + 12 = 24 runs
  4. 5 × 6 = 30 runs
  5. 6 × 4 = 24 runs

FAQ

What is a boundary in cricket?

A boundary in cricket is when the ball reaches the edge of the field and a batsman scores runs. If the ball reaches the boundary after 4 runs, it’s a 4-run boundary. If it reaches the boundary after 6 runs, it’s a 6-run boundary.

How do I count 4s and 6s in cricket?

You count each time a batsman hits the ball and runs to the boundary. If they run 4 times, that’s one 4. If they run 6 times, that’s one 6.

Can I use multiplication instead of addition?

Yes! If a batsman hits 3 sixes, you can do 3 × 6 = 18 runs instead of adding 6 + 6 + 6.

Why do we need to know about 4s and 6s in cricket?

It helps you understand how points are scored in cricket. It also helps you learn maths like repeated addition and multiplication.

How can I practice cricket maths at home?

You can play pretend cricket games, count your toys in groups, or use a cricket scorebook to add up your own runs.