Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator (eFG%)
Calculate Effective Field Goal Percentage - The advanced shooting efficiency metric that accounts for the extra value of three-pointers
Total successful field goals (2-pointers + 3-pointers)
Total field goal attempts (excluding free throws)
Number of 3-point shots made
Enter shooting statistics
Fill in all fields to see your eFG% calculation
What is Effective Field Goal Percentage?
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) measures shooting efficiency while accounting for the fact that three-pointers are worth more than two-pointers. It's a smarter version of regular field goal percentage because it gives proper credit to players who knock down threes.
Regular field goal percentage treats all shots the same. A player who makes 10 out of 20 two-pointers gets 50%. Another player who makes 10 out of 20 three-pointers also gets 50%. But the second player scored 30 points while the first scored only 20. That's where eFG% comes in.
This stat is used by NBA teams, college coaches, fantasy basketball players, and anyone who wants to know who's really shooting efficiently. Stephen Curry doesn't just score a lot. He scores efficiently. His eFG% shows exactly how valuable his three-point shooting is compared to someone taking the same number of mid-range shots.
Why eFG% Matters
- For Players: Shows true shooting value beyond raw percentages
- For Coaches: Helps design plays around high-efficiency shots
- For Analysts: Compares players across different playing styles
- For Fans: Explains why some scorers are more valuable than others
Who Created This Metric?
Basketball analytics pioneer John Hollinger popularized eFG% in the early 2000s as part of the advanced stats revolution. The NBA didn't officially track it until later, but now it's standard in every box score. Teams like the Houston Rockets built entire offensive systems around maximizing eFG% by prioritizing threes and layups over mid-range shots.
| eFG% Range | Rating | NBA Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 60%+ | Elite | Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant territory |
| 55-60% | Excellent | All-Star level efficiency |
| 50-55% | Good | Solid NBA starter |
| 45-50% | Average | Role player range |
| <45% | Below Average | Needs better shot selection |
How to Use the Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator
Using the eFG% calculator is straightforward. You need three basketball statistics from a player's box score to calculate effective field goal percentage. Here's exactly what to enter:
Step-by-Step Instructions to Calculate eFG%
- Enter Field Goals Made (FGM): Total successful field goals including both two-pointers and three-pointers. If a player made 8 two-pointers and 4 three-pointers, enter 12 total field goals made.
- Enter Field Goals Attempted (FGA): Total field goal attempts from the floor. Don't count free throws. If a player took 25 shots during a game, enter 25.
- Enter 3-Point Field Goals Made (3PM): Successful three-point shots only. If they made 4 threes, enter 4.
- View Instant Results: The effective field goal percentage calculator shows your eFG%, performance rating, and shot breakdown automatically.
Common Input Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Include Free Throws
Free throws aren't field goals. Only count shots taken from the floor during regular play.
❌ Don't Mix Up Makes and Attempts
FGM must be less than or equal to FGA. You can't make more shots than you attempt.
❌ Don't Forget 3PM Is Part of FGM
If a player made 4 threes and 6 twos, FGM is 10 total, not 6.
✅ Use Full Game or Season Stats
You can calculate eFG% for one game, one season, or an entire career. Just keep all numbers from the same time period.
💡 Pro Tips for Accurate eFG% Calculations
- • Double-check your stat sheet. NBA.com, ESPN, and Basketball-Reference are reliable sources for basketball statistics.
- • For season-long effective field goal percentage, use cumulative totals (not averages per game).
- • If 3PM is zero, the calculator still works. The eFG% formula handles players who don't shoot three-pointers.
- • Our eFG calculator validates your inputs in real-time. Red errors mean something needs fixing before calculating.
- • Compare results with other shooting metrics. Field goal percentage provides complementary insights.
Understanding the Formula
The eFG% formula adjusts regular shooting percentage by giving three-pointers extra credit. Here's the exact formula and why it works:
eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) ÷ FGA × 100
FGM
Field Goals Made
(Total baskets: 2PT + 3PT)
3PM
3-Point Field Goals Made
(Shots beyond the arc)
FGA
Field Goals Attempted
(All shot attempts)
Why the 0.5 Multiplier?
Three-pointers are worth 50% more than two-pointers (3 points vs 2 points). The formula adds half a "made shot" for each three-pointer to reflect this extra value. It's like saying "every three you make counts as 1.5 made shots instead of just 1."
Example Calculations
Example 1: High-Volume Three-Point Shooter
Player A: 600 FGM, 1,200 FGA, 150 3PM (season stats)
eFG% = (600 + 0.5 × 150) ÷ 1,200 × 100
eFG% = (600 + 75) ÷ 1,200 × 100
eFG% = 675 ÷ 1,200 × 100
eFG% = 56.3%
Interpretation: Regular FG% would be 50% (600/1200), but eFG% is 56.3% because of the three-point makes. This is excellent NBA efficiency.
Example 2: Paint-Dominant Player
Player B: 450 FGM, 750 FGA, 10 3PM (mostly dunks and layups)
eFG% = (450 + 0.5 × 10) ÷ 750 × 100
eFG% = (450 + 5) ÷ 750 × 100
eFG% = 455 ÷ 750 × 100
eFG% = 60.7%
Interpretation: Centers who shoot close to the basket often have higher eFG% because they take high-percentage shots. This player's 60.7% is elite.
Example 3: Volume Scorer with Poor Efficiency
Player C: 350 FGM, 900 FGA, 80 3PM (takes many contested shots)
eFG% = (350 + 0.5 × 80) ÷ 900 × 100
eFG% = (350 + 40) ÷ 900 × 100
eFG% = 390 ÷ 900 × 100
eFG% = 43.3%
Interpretation: This player might score a lot of points, but they're inefficient. Taking 900 shots to make 350 hurts the team's overall efficiency.
📊 Key Insights from These Examples
- • A 50% FG% with many threes becomes 56.3% eFG% (Player A)
- • A 60% FG% with few threes stays near 60.7% eFG% (Player B)
- • High-volume shooters need good percentages to be efficient (Player C shows why)
- • eFG% rewards smart shot selection: threes and layups over contested mid-range
Common Calculation Mistakes
- ❌ Mistake: Using 1.5 instead of 0.5 as the multiplier
- ✅ Correct: The formula multiplies 3PM by 0.5, not 1.5
- ❌ Mistake: Multiplying FGM by 2 for two-pointers
- ✅ Correct: FGM already includes all made shots. Just add the three-point bonus.
- ❌ Mistake: Forgetting to multiply by 100 for percentage
- ✅ Correct: Final answer should be a percentage (multiply by 100)
Interpreting Your Results
Your eFG% number tells you how efficiently a player converts shot attempts into points. Here's how to read the results and what different ranges mean.
Performance Benchmarks by Level
60%+ (Elite)
Top 10% of NBA players. This is superstar territory. Players like Stephen Curry (career 58.5% eFG%), Kevin Durant, and elite big men who finish at the rim consistently hit these numbers.
What it means: Nearly unstoppable offensive weapon. Defenses must game-plan specifically for this player. Worth max contract money.
55-60% (Excellent)
All-Star level efficiency. These players are franchise cornerstones. The 2023-24 NBA league average was 54.1%, so anyone above 55% is beating the average.
What it means: Consistent scorer who picks good shots. Can be a team's first or second scoring option. Deserves significant playing time.
50-55% (Good)
Solid NBA starter range. Around league average. These players contribute positively to team offense without being the focal point.
What it means: Reliable rotation player. Won't hurt the team's efficiency. Good complementary piece on a winning team.
45-50% (Average)
Below NBA average but not terrible. Role player efficiency. These players need to improve shot selection or work within their strengths.
What it means: Limited offensive role. Best used in specific situations. May need to focus on defense or other skills to stay on the court.
<45% (Below Average)
Poor efficiency. Taking too many bad shots or forcing offense. Players in this range need to dramatically improve shot selection or reduce their scoring attempts.
What it means: Hurting team offense. Should pass more, take fewer contested shots, or work on shooting mechanics in practice.
What Affects Your eFG%?
Factors That Increase eFG%
- • Shooting more three-pointers (when making them at decent rate)
- • Taking high-percentage shots near the rim
- • Getting open looks from ball movement
- • Attacking mismatches and favorable defenders
- • Shooting in rhythm from catch-and-shoot opportunities
- • Playing within offensive system strengths
Factors That Decrease eFG%
- • Taking contested mid-range jumpers
- • Forcing shots late in shot clock
- • Poor shot selection (bad shots early in possession)
- • Facing elite perimeter defenders
- • Playing hero ball without team involvement
- • Shooting three-pointers at low percentages (below 33%)
📈 Real NBA Context (2023-24 Season)
League Average
54.1%
Top 10 Players
62%+
Minimum for Starter
~52%
Comparing Different Player Types
| Player Type | Typical eFG% | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Centers / Big Men | 58-65% | Most shots at rim (dunks, layups) |
| Elite Shooters | 58-62% | High 3PT% on volume (Curry, Klay) |
| Wing Players | 52-56% | Mix of threes and drives |
| Point Guards | 50-54% | Facilitators who pick spots |
| Volume Scorers | 48-52% | High attempts, many contested |
⚠️ Important Context
Don't judge players solely on effective field goal percentage. A point guard with 51% eFG% who creates offense for others might be more valuable than a center with 64% eFG% who only dunks. Context matters:
- • Role on the team (primary scorer vs role player)
- • Difficulty of shots (creating own shot vs catch-and-shoot)
- • Defensive attention faced (double-teams vs open looks)
- • Other contributions (assists, defense, rebounding)
- • Difficulty of shots (creating own shot vs catch-and-shoot)
- • Defensive attention faced (double-teams vs open looks)
- • Other contributions (assists, defense, rebounding)
Strategic Implications of eFG%
Understanding eFG% changes how teams play offense, how coaches design systems, and how players approach shot selection. Here's why this stat matters beyond the numbers.
How NBA Teams Use eFG%
Offensive Strategy
- • Shot Chart Analysis: Teams identify which floor locations produce highest eFG%
- • Play Design: Plays target corner threes (highest eFG% three-point spot) and rim attacks
- • Pace Decisions: High-eFG% teams play faster to maximize efficient possessions
- • Lineup Optimization: Pair high-eFG% finishers with playmakers who create easy shots
Player Development
- • Shot Selection Training: Young players learn which shots hurt vs help eFG%
- • Three-Point Focus: Developing range increases scoring efficiency dramatically
- • Finishing Skills: Centers work on converting rim attempts at higher rates
- • Decision Making: Pass when contested, shoot when open
The Analytics Revolution
The Houston Rockets under Daryl Morey pioneered the "Moreyball" system: maximize threes and layups, minimize mid-range shots. Why? Because eFG% data showed mid-range jumpers were the least efficient shots in basketball. A 45% mid-range shooter has 45% eFG%. But a 35% three-point shooter has 52.5% eFG%. The math changed the game.
🏀 Real Example: The Shift Away from Mid-Range
In 2010, teams attempted 18 mid-range shots per game. By 2024, that dropped to 8 per game. Why? Analytics showed:
Mid-Range (16-23 feet)
40% FG%
40% eFG% (no bonus)
Three-Pointers
36% FG%
54% eFG% (1.5x multiplier)
At the Rim (0-3 feet)
65% FG%
65% eFG% (easy points)
Impact on Contracts and Salaries
Front offices use eFG% heavily in contract negotiations. A player averaging 18 points per game on 48% eFG% is less valuable than one averaging 15 points on 58% eFG%. The second player helps the team win more efficiently.
Example: The Value of Efficiency
In 2023, Player X averaged 20 PPG on 45% eFG% and received a $15M contract. Player Y averaged 16 PPG on 60% eFG% and received $22M. Why? Player Y's efficiency meant fewer possessions wasted, better team offense, and higher win probability. Teams pay premium prices for elite eFG%.
For Fantasy Basketball Players
If your fantasy league uses category scoring and tracks FG%, don't just look at raw percentages. A guard shooting 40% from three on high volume might have better eFG% than a big man shooting 52% on twos. Use eFG% to find undervalued players who score efficiently but don't get attention for raw point totals.
💡 Fantasy Draft Tips Using eFG%
- • Target players with 55%+ eFG% in later rounds (often overlooked)
- • Avoid volume scorers with sub-48% eFG% (they hurt your FG% category)
- • Value three-point specialists with 38%+ 3PT% (high eFG% contributors)
- • Centers with 60%+ eFG% are gold in category leagues
Limitations and When to Seek Additional Context
eFG% is powerful, but it doesn't tell the complete story. Here's what it misses and when you need to look at other stats.
What eFG% Doesn't Measure
❌ Free Throws
eFG% completely ignores free throws. A player who gets fouled constantly and shoots 85% from the line is more valuable than their eFG% shows. James Harden's game (heavy free throw reliance) looks less impressive by eFG% alone.
Better metric for this: True Shooting Percentage (TS%) includes free throws in efficiency calculation.
❌ Shot Difficulty
A center dunking open lobs gets 65% eFG%. A guard creating his own contested three gets 54% eFG%. The second player is actually more skilled, but eFG% doesn't show that context.
Need context on: Shot creation ability, defender proximity, shot clock time remaining.
❌ Playmaking and Passing
A point guard who creates 15 assists per game but has 50% eFG% is incredibly valuable. eFG% only measures their scoring, not their ability to generate efficient shots for teammates.
Also look at: Assists, hockey assists, offensive rating, net rating.
❌ Defensive Impact
A player with 48% eFG% but elite defense (blocks, steals, stops) contributes to winning. eFG% is offense-only.
Balance with: Defensive rating, plus-minus, win shares.
❌ Turnovers
A player might have great eFG% but turn the ball over 5 times per game. Those lost possessions hurt the team just as much as missed shots.
Check: Turnover percentage, assist-to-turnover ratio.
Who eFG% Works Best For
✅ Most Accurate For:
- • Pure shooters and scorers
- • Off-ball players who catch-and-shoot
- • Big men who finish at the rim
- • Comparing players in similar roles
- • Evaluating shot selection quality
⚠️ Less Useful For:
- • Primary playmakers and facilitators
- • Players who draw many fouls
- • Defensive specialists with limited offense
- • Comparing across very different positions
- • Evaluating overall player value
When Professional Analysis Is Needed
- Scouting College Prospects: NBA teams use eFG% alongside 50+ other metrics. One stat isn't enough for draft decisions.
- Contract Negotiations: Agents and GMs combine eFG% with usage rate, defensive metrics, and advanced stats like VORP and BPM.
- Coaching Decisions: When to bench a player, which plays to call, defensive matchups all require deeper analysis than eFG% provides.
- Team Building: Front offices use lineup data, on-court/off-court splits, and synergy metrics beyond individual eFG%.
📊 Recommended Stat Combinations
For complete player evaluation, use eFG% with these stats:
Offensive Evaluation:
- • eFG% (shooting efficiency)
- • TS% (includes free throws)
- • AST% (playmaking)
- • TOV% (ball security)
- • USG% (offensive load)
Complete Player Value:
- • eFG% (offense)
- • DRtg (defensive rating)
- • BPM (box plus-minus)
- • VORP (value over replacement)
- • On-court net rating
Disclaimer: This calculator provides statistical analysis for educational and entertainment purposes. eFG% is one metric among many for evaluating basketball performance. Professional scouting, coaching, and personnel decisions require comprehensive evaluation beyond any single statistic. Always consider full context when assessing player value or team strategy.
Related Concepts and Alternative Shooting Metrics
eFG% is one of several shooting efficiency metrics. Here are the alternatives and when to use each one.
True Shooting Percentage (TS%)
TS% = Points ÷ (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA)) × 100
What it adds: Includes free throws in the calculation. Most complete shooting efficiency metric.
✅ When to use TS%:
- • Evaluating players who draw fouls (Harden, Embiid)
- • Comparing true scoring efficiency
- • NBA MVP discussions
- • Contract value analysis
Pros vs eFG%:
- • More complete picture of scoring
- • Rewards getting to the line
- • Better for overall efficiency
- • Used more by analysts
Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
FG% = FGM ÷ FGA × 100
What it measures: Raw shooting percentage. Treats all field goals equally.
✅ When to use FG%:
- • Evaluating big men (mostly twos)
- • Quick percentage reference
- • Traditional box scores
- • Fantasy leagues using FG%
❌ Cons vs eFG%:
- • Ignores three-point value
- • Penalizes three-point shooters
- • Less useful for analysis
- • Outdated metric
Three-Point Percentage (3P%)
3P% = 3PM ÷ 3PA × 100
What it measures: Success rate on three-point attempts only.
✅ When to use 3P%:
- • Evaluating shooting specialists
- • Spacing/floor stretching ability
- • Comparing long-range shooters
- • Three-point contest predictions
Context needed:
- • Volume matters (4/10 vs 1/3)
- • Shot difficulty varies
- • Doesn't show two-point ability
- • 35%+ is good, 40%+ is elite
Quick Comparison: Which Stat to Use When
| Your Goal | Best Metric | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Overall scoring efficiency | TS% | Includes free throws |
| Shot quality from the field | eFG% | Accounts for 3PT value |
| Pure shooting ability | 3P% | Long-range skill |
| Fantasy basketball FG% | FG% | Category leagues use this |
| Comparing across positions | eFG% | Fair for guards to centers |
| Players who draw fouls | TS% | Values getting to the line |
💡 Pro Analyst Tip
Most NBA analysts use TS% as their primary efficiency metric because it's most complete. But eFG% is better for isolating field goal decision-making and shot selection quality. Use eFG% when analyzing shooting patterns and play design. Use TS% when evaluating overall offensive value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common eFG% questions
What's a good effective field goal percentage in the NBA?
The NBA league average for effective field goal percentage is around 54%. Anything above 55% eFG% is excellent, and 60%+ is elite territory reserved for superstars and efficient big men. For college players, 50%+ is solid, and high school standards vary widely by competition level.
Why is my eFG% different from other calculators?
Check if you're using the same time period. Season stats vs single game stats will differ. Also verify you entered 3PM correctly (it must be included in FGM total). Some calculators round differently, causing tiny variations in decimals.
Can eFG% be over 100%?
Technically yes, but it's extremely rare. If a player makes all their shots and most are threes, they could theoretically hit 100%+. In practice, the highest single-season eFG% in NBA history (minimum attempts) is around 72% for centers with limited shot attempts at the rim.
Should I use eFG% or TS% for fantasy basketball?
If your league tracks FG% as a category, focus on regular FG% and avoid high-volume three-point shooters with lower percentages. For points leagues or overall value assessment, use TS% since it includes free throw scoring which boosts fantasy points.
Does eFG% matter for centers who don't shoot threes?
Yes. For centers with 0 three-pointers, effective field goal percentage equals their regular field goal percentage. Centers achieving 62% eFG% through rim attempts demonstrate efficiency comparable to perimeter players with three-point shooting ability.
How often should I recalculate eFG%?
For tracking improvement, check monthly during the season. After major changes (new role, injury recovery, shooting coach), check every 10-15 games. For fantasy decisions, weekly updates are enough since eFG% stabilizes over larger sample sizes.
Why do some analysts prefer TS% over eFG%?
TS% includes free throws, making it more complete for overall scoring efficiency. Players like James Harden get significant value from free throws that eFG% ignores. However, eFG% is better for analyzing shot selection and field goal decision-making specifically.
What eFG% do NBA teams target in their offense?
Top offensive teams target 56%+ eFG% as a team average. Championship contenders typically rank in the top 10 in eFG%. Teams below 52% usually struggle to score efficiently and miss the playoffs unless they have elite defense.
Pro Tips for Using eFG% Effectively
For Players
- • Track your eFG% by shot location
- • Prioritize corner threes (highest eFG%)
- • Reduce contested mid-range attempts
- • Attack the rim when defenders close out
For Coaches
- • Design plays for high-eFG% spots
- • Bench players below 45% eFG% (if volume)
- • Use eFG% to identify shot selection issues
- • Compare team eFG% allowed on defense
For Analysts
- • Combine with usage rate for context
- • Check opponent defensive eFG% allowed
- • Use 15-game rolling averages
- • Compare home vs road eFG% splits
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