14.3 overs means 14 completed overs and three valid balls: 87 valid balls altogether. The dot separates two counts; it is not a decimal point. This conversion assumes the usual six-ball over.
Convert overs to balls
Multiply the completed overs by six, then add the digit after the dot. For the hypothetical display 14.3, the calculation is 14 × 6 + 3 = 87. A spreadsheet should keep completed overs and remaining balls in separate columns, or parse them as two integers. Multiplying the decimal number 14.3 by six would incorrectly give 85.8.
| Overs | Calculation | Valid balls |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0 × 6 + 5 | 5 |
| 1.0 | 1 × 6 + 0 | 6 |
| 14.3 | 14 × 6 + 3 | 87 |
| 19.5 | 19 × 6 + 5 | 119 |
| 20.0 | 20 × 6 + 0 | 120 |
Why the display moves from 19.5 to 20.0
The next valid ball after 19.5 completes the sixth ball of the over. There are then 20 full overs, or 120 valid balls. In ordinary completed-over notation, the remainder runs from zero to five. It does not progress to 19.6 and then 19.7 as a decimal counter would.
A wide or no-ball does not advance the six-ball count. Some dead-ball situations also do not count. Thus, six valid balls can require more than six delivery attempts. Do not add every event in a commentary feed to the overs total.
Convert balls back to overs
Divide the total by six using integer division. The whole-number quotient is completed overs and the remainder is balls in the current over. For 87 balls, the quotient is 14 and the remainder is three: write 14.3. For 120 balls, the quotient is 20 and the remainder is zero: write 20.0.
Limits and quick checks
This is a notation conversion, not a ruling on an umpire's ball count. If a live record is disputed or corrected, use the official match record. Formats using a different ball grouping need their own convention. Also distinguish an event label such as the sixth delivery of an over from a completed-overs total.
Is 14.3 the same as 14.5 decimal overs? Yes, for duration calculations: 87 divided by six is 14.5. Keep that decimal value separate from the scorecard notation 14.3. More cricket reading guides.