eFG% Calculator
Measure true shooting efficiency by accounting for the extra value of 3-point shots.
The Math Behind the Metric
Basketball is evolving. The old way of judging shooters by raw Field Goal Percentage (FG%) is obsolete because it treats a 3-pointer the same as a layup. Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) fixes this flaw.
The logic is simple: A 3-point shot is worth 50% more than a 2-point shot. Therefore, a made 3-pointer should be credited as 1.5 made shots in the efficiency formula.
The Efficiency Equivalence Table
Use this table to understand how 3-point shooting percentages translate to 2-point efficiency. For example, shooting 33% from deep is mathematically equal to shooting 50% from inside the arc.
| 3-Point % | Points Per Shot | Equivalent 2-Point % | eFG% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40% | 1.20 | 60% | 60.0% |
| 35% | 1.05 | 52.5% | 52.5% |
| 33.3% | 1.00 | 50% | 50.0% |
| 30% | 0.90 | 45% | 45.0% |
When to use eFG% vs TS%
Use eFG% when you want to evaluate a player's pure shooting ability from the floor. It effectively answers, "How good is this player at putting the ball in the hoop during live play?"
Use True Shooting % (TS%) when you want to evaluate a player's total scoring efficiency, including their ability to draw fouls and make free throws. TS% is generally considered the "gold standard" for overall efficiency, while eFG% is the standard for shooting skill.
NBA: ~54.5%
NCAA (D1): ~51.0%
WNBA: ~50.0%
(Based on 2023-24 Season Stats)
Players who shoot 50% FG, 40% 3P, and 90% FT are elite. This typically results in an eFG% well above 60%, marking them as the most dangerous shooters on the planet (e.g., Curry, Durant, Nash).
A volume scorer with 25 PPG might have a low eFG% (below 48%), meaning they use a lot of possessions to get those points. This often hurts the team's overall offense.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Field Goals Made (FG): The total number of shots you made (2-pointers + 3-pointers).
- Enter 3-Pointers Made (3P): The number of shots made from behind the arc. This cannot exceed total FG made.
- Enter Field Goals Attempted (FGA): The total number of shots you took.
- Calculate: Click the button to see your Effective Field Goal Percentage, which gives you extra credit for 3-pointers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)?
The formula is: (FG + 0.5 × 3P) / FGA. This gives 50% more credit for making a 3-pointer because it is worth 50% more points than a 2-pointer. It is a reliable way to measure shooting efficiency from the field.
What is the difference between FG%, eFG%, and TS%?
FG% treats all shots as equal (flawed). eFG% weights 3-pointers correctly (better). TS% also includes free throws (best for overall scoring efficiency). Use eFG% for pure shooting skill and TS% for overall scoring impact.
What is a good eFG% in the NBA vs High School?
In the NBA, the league average is around 54.5%. Above 57% is excellent. For high school, an eFG% above 50% is considered very efficient due to generally lower shooting percentages.
Why is my eFG% higher than my FG%?
If you make any 3-pointers, your eFG% will always be higher than your raw FG%. For example, shooting 40% purely from 3 results in an eFG% of 60%, showing you are highly efficient despite missing more shots than you make.
Does eFG% include Free Throws?
No. eFG% is strictly for field goals. If a player scores mostly from the free-throw line (like James Harden or Jimmy Butler), their eFG% might look lower than their actual scoring value. Use TS% for that analysis.