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Perceived Velocity & Bat Size Lab

Pitch Perceived Velocity, Reaction Window & Bat Size / Drop Calculator

Perceived velocity scales radar speed by 60.5 ft ÷ your mound distance. Flight time assumes ~5.5 ft of release extension (scaled) and ~8% velocity decay to the plate.

1. Pitch & Player

Your At-Bat

85 mph from 60.5 ft · High School / College / MLB

Varsity · 5'10" / 165 lb · High School / College BBCOR (-3)

85 mph
MLB-Equivalent Perceived Velocity (60.5 ft)
460 ms
Total Plate Flight Time
160 ms
Swing Decision Window (−150 ms see, −150 ms swing)
33" / 30 oz
Recommended Bat Length / Weight · Drop -3

Recommended Game-Ball Seam Spec: Raised-seam NFHS / youth full-grain leather (more grip and break for developing pitchers). Seasonal practice stock: 6-dozen bucket (72 balls).

How the Numbers Work

MetricYour ValueMethod
Perceived velocity85 mph85 mph × 60.5 ÷ 60.5 ft
Plate flight time460 msRelease distance ÷ average ball speed
Decision window160 msFlight time − ~150 ms visual processing − ~150 ms swing to contact
Bat33" · 30 oz · -3Height/weight chart; weight = length + drop
Game ballRaised-Seam NFHS / YouthFlat-seam for college / pro at 60.5 ft; raised-seam NFHS / youth otherwise

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