TS% Calculator
Analyze Total Scoring Efficiency (True Shooting %)
What is True Shooting Percentage?
True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is widely considered the gold standard for measuring a basketball player's scoring efficiency. Unlike Field Goal Percentage (which ignores 3s and FTs) or eFG% (which ignores FTs), TS% accounts for every way a player can score. It provides a complete picture of how many points a player produces per shooting possession.
How to Calculate TS%
The calculation estimates total scoring attempts by weighting free throws with a 0.44 coefficient:
Points / (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA))
Example: A player scores 25 points on 15 FGA and 6 FTA. Their TS% is 25 / (2 × (15 + 2.64)) = 25 / 35.28 = 70.8%.
TS% Benchmarks
Efficiency has risen dramatically in the modern NBA. Here are the general benchmarks for scoring efficiency today:
- 62%+ (Elite): Reserved for superstars and highly efficient role-playing finishers.
- 58% - 62% (Great): Above league average; highly productive offensive players.
- 54% - 58% (Average): The standard baseline for a Major League regular.
- Under 54% (Poor): Suggests a player who struggles with shooting or takes many inefficient shots.
The Importance of Free Throws
One of the biggest advantages of TS% is that it rewards players who are good at drawing fouls. Players like James Harden or Jimmy Butler might have a mediocre FG%, but because they get to the line frequently and shoot a high percentage there, their TS% remains elite. This confirms their value as high-efficiency offensive engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is True Shooting Percentage (TS%)?
True Shooting Percentage is a measure of scoring efficiency that considers field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws. It is more accurate than raw FG% because it accounts for the extra value of 3s and FTs.
How is TS% calculated?
The formula is: Points / (2 × (Field Goals Attempted + 0.44 × Free Throws Attempted)).
Why is the 0.44 multiplier used for Free Throws?
The 0.44 coefficient accounts for the fact that not all free throw attempts end a possession (e.g., technical fouls, and-ones, and the first of two shots). It is a statistically derived constant that simplifies the math while remaining highly accurate.
What is a good True Shooting Percentage?
In the modern NBA, a TS% of 58% is league average. 62% is considered great, and 65%+ is elite efficiency (usually reserved for high-level superstars).