Field Goal Percentage Calculator

About Field Goal Percentage Calculator

Welcome to our Field Goal Percentage Calculator, a free online tool designed for basketball players, coaches, statisticians, and fans to quickly and accurately calculate shooting efficiency. Whether you are tracking your personal performance, analyzing team statistics, evaluating player effectiveness, or comparing shooting percentages across different games, this calculator provides instant results with comprehensive performance analysis and visual breakdowns.

What is Field Goal Percentage?

Field goal percentage (FG%) is a fundamental basketball statistic that measures shooting efficiency. It represents the ratio of successful field goals made to the total number of field goal attempts. A higher FG% indicates better shooting accuracy and efficiency. This metric is essential for evaluating offensive performance and comparing players across different positions and playing styles.

Field Goal Percentage Formula

For example, if a player makes 7 field goals out of 15 attempts:

FG% = (7 / 15) × 100 = 46.7%

Understanding Field Goals in Basketball

What Counts as a Field Goal?

In basketball, a field goal is any basket scored during regular play from anywhere on the court, including:

• 2-point shots: Any shot made from inside the three-point line
• 3-point shots: Any shot made from beyond the three-point arc
• Layups and dunks: Close-range shots at the basket
• Mid-range jumpers: Shots from the mid-range area

What Does NOT Count as a Field Goal?

Free throws are NOT included in field goal percentage calculations. Free throws have their own separate statistic called free throw percentage (FT%). This is because free throws are uncontested shots awarded after fouls, while field goals are contested shots during live play.

What is a Good Field Goal Percentage?

A "good" field goal percentage varies significantly based on several factors:

By Position

Position	Typical FG% Range	Notes
Centers	55-65%	Take mostly high-percentage shots near the basket
Power Forwards	50-58%	Mix of inside and mid-range shots
Small Forwards	45-52%	Balanced inside/outside game
Shooting Guards	42-48%	More perimeter shooting
Point Guards	40-46%	Focus on playmaking, takes more difficult shots

Performance Ratings

• 70% or higher: Elite - Exceptional shooting efficiency (usually centers or players taking only high-percentage shots)
• 60-69%: Excellent - Very strong shooting performance
• 50-59%: Above Average - Good shooting efficiency
• 40-49%: Average - Solid performance for guards and perimeter players
• 30-39%: Below Average - Needs improvement
• Below 30%: Poor - Significant shooting struggles

League Context

The NBA league average field goal percentage typically hovers around 45-47%. However, this varies by era, with modern basketball seeing more three-point attempts, which can lower overall FG% while potentially increasing scoring efficiency when accounting for the extra point value.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter field goals made: Input the number of successful field goals (both 2-pointers and 3-pointers combined).
2. Enter field goals attempted: Input the total number of field goal attempts, including both made and missed shots.
3. Click Calculate: Click the "Calculate FG%" button to instantly see your results.
4. Review analysis: View your FG% as both a decimal and percentage, along with a performance rating, visual charts showing shot distribution, and milestone targets for improvement.

Field Goal Percentage vs. Other Shooting Metrics

FG% vs. eFG% (Effective Field Goal Percentage)

Effective field goal percentage (eFG%) adjusts for the fact that 3-point shots are worth 50% more than 2-point shots. The formula is:

eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA

Where 3PM is three-pointers made. This provides a more accurate measure of shooting efficiency when comparing players who take different shot distributions.

FG% vs. True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

True shooting percentage (TS%) accounts for field goals, three-pointers, AND free throws to give the most comprehensive measure of scoring efficiency:

TS% = Points / (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA))

This is considered the gold standard for measuring overall scoring efficiency in modern basketball analytics.

Factors That Affect Field Goal Percentage

Shot Selection

Taking high-percentage shots (layups, dunks, open shots) will naturally increase FG%. Players who take more difficult shots (heavily contested, off-balance, long-range) will typically have lower percentages.

Position and Role

Centers and power forwards typically have higher FG% because they take more shots close to the basket. Guards have lower percentages because they take more perimeter shots and create their own shots against defenders.

Offensive System

Teams that emphasize ball movement, spacing, and generating open looks will typically have higher team FG%. Isolation-heavy offenses may produce lower percentages but can still be effective.

Defense Quality

Facing elite defenders or playing against strong defensive teams will naturally lower shooting percentages. The quality of defensive pressure significantly impacts shooting efficiency.

Volume vs. Efficiency

Players who attempt more shots may have lower FG% but contribute more total points. The balance between shooting volume and efficiency is a key consideration in player evaluation.

How to Improve Your Field Goal Percentage

Take Better Shots

Focus on shot selection by taking more high-percentage shots and avoiding forced, difficult attempts. Move without the ball to create better opportunities.

Improve Shooting Mechanics

Work on proper shooting form, including footwork, balance, follow-through, and release. Consistent mechanics lead to consistent results.

Practice Game Situations

Practice shooting under game-like conditions with fatigue, pressure, and defenders. This prepares you for actual game scenarios better than stationary practice.

Develop Court Awareness

Know where you shoot best on the court (your "hot spots") and work to get shots from those areas. Every player has zones where they are more efficient.

Strength and Conditioning

Improved strength helps you finish through contact, while better conditioning ensures your shot does not deteriorate late in games due to fatigue.

Study Film

Review game footage to identify patterns in your shot selection and recognize situations where you are most efficient or where you tend to struggle.

Using Field Goal Percentage in Analysis

Player Evaluation

While FG% is important, it should not be the only metric used to evaluate players. Consider it alongside points per game, assists, rebounds, and advanced metrics like PER (Player Efficiency Rating) and Win Shares.

Lineup Optimization

Coaches can use FG% data to determine optimal lineups and identify which player combinations produce the most efficient offense.

Game Strategy

Understanding shooting percentages from different court areas helps coaches design plays that maximize high-percentage shot opportunities.

Scouting Opponents

Analyzing opponent FG% by court zone helps defensive coordinators identify where to pressure shooters and which areas to protect.

Historical Context and Records

NBA Single-Season FG% Records

The highest single-season field goal percentage in NBA history is 72.7%, achieved by Wilt Chamberlain in 1972-73. Among players with significant volume in the modern era, centers like DeAndre Jordan and Rudy Gobert have posted seasons above 70%.

Career Leaders

The all-time career leader in field goal percentage is DeAndre Jordan at approximately 67%, followed by other centers who specialize in high-percentage shots near the basket.

Guards and Perimeter Players

For guards, elite efficiency typically means maintaining 48-52% FG% while taking significant volume. Players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have achieved this rare combination of volume and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is field goal percentage?

Field goal percentage (FG%) is a statistical measure used in basketball that represents the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted. It is calculated by dividing the number of successful field goals by the total number of field goal attempts, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. For example, if a player makes 7 shots out of 15 attempts, their FG% is 46.7%.

What is a good field goal percentage in basketball?

A good field goal percentage varies by position and play style. Generally, 50% or higher is considered above average for most players. Elite shooters and centers who take high-percentage shots often achieve 60-70% or higher. Guards typically range from 40-50%, while forwards and centers average 50-60%. Professional NBA players average around 45-47% as a league average.

How do you calculate field goal percentage?

To calculate field goal percentage, use this formula: FG% = (Field Goals Made / Field Goals Attempted) × 100. For example, if a player makes 8 field goals out of 20 attempts, the calculation is: (8 / 20) × 100 = 40%. This means the player has a 40% field goal percentage.

What counts as a field goal in basketball?

In basketball, a field goal is any basket scored during regular play, including both 2-point shots and 3-point shots. Free throws are NOT counted as field goals and have their own separate statistic (free throw percentage). Field goal percentage includes all shots taken from anywhere on the court during live play.

What is the difference between FG% and eFG%?

FG% (field goal percentage) treats all made field goals equally, whether they are worth 2 or 3 points. eFG% (effective field goal percentage) adjusts for the fact that 3-point shots are worth more, using the formula: eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA. This gives a more accurate picture of shooting efficiency when comparing players who take different shot types.

Does field goal percentage include free throws?

No, field goal percentage does NOT include free throws. Free throws are tracked separately as free throw percentage (FT%). FG% only includes shots attempted during live play (2-pointers and 3-pointers), not foul shots.

Why do centers have higher field goal percentages?

Centers typically have higher FG% because they take most of their shots close to the basket (layups, dunks, putbacks), which are inherently higher-percentage shots. Guards and perimeter players take more difficult shots from distance, which naturally lowers their percentages.

Can you have over 100% field goal percentage?

No, it is mathematically impossible to have over 100% field goal percentage. The maximum is 100%, which would require making every single shot attempted. Even the best shooters in history average well below 100%.

Additional Resources

To learn more about basketball statistics and shooting efficiency:

• NBA Official Statistics - NBA.com
• Basketball Reference - Comprehensive Basketball Statistics
• ESPN NBA Stats - Player and Team Statistics

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