The Comprehensive Guide
Basketball Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator: The Sniper's Secret Metric
In the modern era of basketball, the box score doesn't tell the whole story. If a player goes 6-for-15, were they efficient? Without knowing if they shot 2s or 3s, you can't say. This is why professional analysts use Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%). Our advanced calculator helps you determine the true value of every shot taken on the court.
The Flaw in Traditional Field Goal Percentage
For decades, "Field Goal Percentage" was the primary measure of a shooter. But FG% has a fatal flaw: it treats a layup and a 25-foot three-pointer exactly the same. But we know that 3 > 2. A player who makes three 3rd-pointers earns 9 points; a player who makes four 2nd-pointers only earns 8 points. FG% would say the second player is "better," but the scoreboard says the first player won.
The eFG% Solution
Effective Field Goal Percentage adjusts for the fact that a three-point shot is 50% more valuable than a two-point shot. It gives you "bonus points" for the degree of difficulty and high-value output of the deep ball. If you are a coach, scout, or player, our Basketball Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator is the only way to compare different styles of scoring fairly.
The eFG% Formula Explained
eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 * 3PM) / FGA
In this formula:
- FGM (Field Goals Made): Your total number of successful shots.
- 3PM (3-Pointers Made): The subset of those shots that were from behind the arc.
- FGA (Field Goal Attempts): Your total number of shots taken.
The "0.5" is the critical component. It adds half a basket of credit for every 3-pointer made, aligning the math with the actual 1.5x value of the shot.
Benchmarks: What is a "Good" eFG%?
Benchmarks for eFG% have risen significantly since the 2010s. Here is how to evaluate your rating:
1. Elite (60%+)
This is the "Gold Standard." It is typically achieved by two types of players: Centers who shoot almost 65%+ on layups/dunks, and elite snipers who shoot 42%+ on high-volume three-point attempts. If your eFG% is 60%, you are one of the most dangerous players in basketball.
2. Strong / Reliable (55-59%)
This is All-Star level efficiency for a wing player or guard. Players in this range are providing massive floor spacing and help their team's offensive rating stay in the top tier of the league.
3. League Average (52-54%)
The average NBA eFG% generally hovers around 53%. If you are in this range, you are an "honest" scorer—you aren't hurting your team, but you aren't a primary efficiency driver either.
4. Inefficient (<50%)
If your eFG% is below 50%, you are essentially "wasting" possessions. This reflects a player who either misses too many open looks or takes too many contested mid-range jumpers (the lowest value shot in basketball).
The "Morey-ball" Revolution: 3s vs. Mid-Range
The emergence of eFG% as a primary stat led directly to the "Morey-ball" revolution (named after Daryl Morey). Analysts realized that a player shooting 35% from the 3-point line has an eFG% of 52.5%. To match that efficiency from the mid-range (15-20 feet), a player would have to shoot 52.5% from the floor. Very few players in history can shoot 52% from the mid-range, but many can shoot 35% from three.
This simple math is why the "long 2" is disappearing from the modern game. Our calculator helps you identify if your own "shot profile" is holding back your efficiency.
How to Use This Calculator for Training
To maximize your eFG%, you must track your shots by type. Use this protocol:
- Track 100 Shots: Take 50 shots from the paint and 50 from the arc.
- Calculate: Plug your makes into the eFG% calculator.
- Pivot: If your eFG% is higher from the arc than from the paint, you are a natural spacer. If your eFG% is significantly higher in the paint, your training should focus on your "finishing" and drawing fouls.
Common Myths About eFG%
Myth: "eFG% is the same as True Shooting (TS%)."
False. TS% includes free throw attempts, while eFG% only looks at the "live ball." eFG% tells you how well you shoot; TS% tells you how well you score.
Myth: "eFG% favors 3-point shooters too much."
False. It doesn't "favor" them; it accurately represents the points they generate. Three points help the team win more than two points—the math simply reflects reality.
Conclusion: Master the Mathematics of Scoring
The Basketball Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator is the ultimate tool for the modern player. By understanding the math of 3 > 2 and tracking your efficiency over time, you can shift your game toward high-value possessions. Stop guessing about your impact—start calculating your true effectiveness on the floor today.