When is it a six, and when is it a four?
B · Beginner · How are runs scored? · 2 of 14Checked 13 October 2026
How it works
- The boundary is the edge of the rope or line nearest the pitch. The ball touching the rope counts as over the boundary.
- A ball that a fielder touches still counts as six if it then lands beyond the boundary without bouncing inside.
- A fielder touching the ball while their foot is on or over the rope gives the batting side a boundary.
- If the batters have already run more than four or six when the ball reaches the boundary, they get the runs they ran instead.
Tricky cases
Is it still a six if a fielder touches the ball before it goes over?
Yes, if it did not bounce inside the field first.
Is it four if the ball touches the boundary rope?
Yes. Touching the rope counts as reaching the boundary.
Is it a boundary if the fielder's foot is on the rope when they stop the ball?
Yes.
How many runs for an overthrow that goes to the boundary?
Four, plus the runs completed when the throw was made, plus the run in progress if the batters had already crossed.
Does the batter get four if the ball hits the pad and goes to the boundary?
No. It is four leg byes, not runs to the batter, as long as the batter tried to play the ball or to get out of its way. If not, no runs count.
What if the batters ran more than four before the ball reached the boundary?
They get the runs they ran.
Why the rule exists
Clearing the boundary in the air is harder than reaching it along the ground, so it is worth more.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws | The umpires and captains may agree other values before a match, by the ground's custom; otherwise six and four | L19.6 |
| ICC men's internationals | Six and four | PC-T, PC-O, PC-I 19 |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 19.2, 19.4 to 19.8 and 23.2, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).