Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator (eFG%)

What is a Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator?

Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) adjusts traditional field goal percentage to account for 3-pointers being worth 50% more points than 2-point shots. Embraced by modern basketball analytics, eFG% solves the distortion where a 40% 3-point shooter appears less efficient than a 45% mid-range shooter. When a slump deflates efficiency, measure the downturn with our percent drop calculator to evaluate shot selection.

Effective Field Goal Percentage Formula:

eFG% = FGM + 0.5 × 3PM FGA × 100

Where:
• FGM: Total Field Goals Made (both 2-pointers and 3-pointers).
• 3PM: 3-Point Field Goals Made.
• FGA: Total Field Goal Attempts taken.

How Does Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator Work?

The Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator computes weighted shooting output in three analytical steps:

Shot Selection Input: Enter total field goals made (FGM), three-point shots made (3PM), and total field goals attempted (FGA).
Mathematical Verification: The algorithm checks that 3PM does not surpass FGM and ensures FGM never exceeds total attempts.
Weighted Calculation: Sinking each 3-pointer credits an additional 0.5 made field goal before dividing by attempts, displaying eFG% alongside traditional FG%. Contrast this with raw shooting using our field goal percentage calculator.

5 Example Problems of Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator

Example 1: Stephen Curry Style 3-Point Shooter 3-Point Specialist

A perimeter guard shoots 10-of-20 from the field, with 6 of those makes coming from beyond the arc.

Calculation: ((10 + 0.5 * 6) / 20) * 100 = (13 / 20) * 100 = 65.00%

Answer: 65.00% eFG% (compared to 50.00% traditional FG%)

Example 2: Traditional Mid-Range Scorer Mid-Range

A forward shoots 10-of-20 on all 2-point attempts (0 three-pointers made).

Calculation: ((10 + 0) / 20) * 100 = 50.00%

Answer: 50.00% eFG% (Equal to 50.00% traditional FG%)

Example 3: Low Traditional FG% but High eFG% High Efficiency

A wing player shoots 6-of-15 (40.0% FG%), but all 6 makes are 3-pointers.

Calculation: ((6 + 0.5 * 6) / 15) * 100 = (9 / 15) * 100 = 60.00%

Answer: 60.00% eFG% (Elite scoring value despite 40% FG)

Example 4: Center In The Paint Interior Big

A center shoots 8-for-11 inside the paint with zero 3-point attempts.

Calculation: ((8 + 0) / 11) * 100 = 72.73%

Answer: 72.73% eFG%

Example 5: Balanced Modern Wing All-Around Wing

A player makes 9 shots on 18 attempts, including 3 three-pointers.

Calculation: ((9 + 0.5 * 3) / 18) * 100 = (10.5 / 18) * 100 = 58.33%

Answer: 58.33% eFG%

What Are Key Features, Benefits and Limitations of Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator?

Key Features

Computes both eFG% and traditional FG% simultaneously for direct comparison.
Rewards the 50% extra value of 3-point makes automatically.
Validates bounds ensuring 3PM cannot exceed total FGM.

Practical Benefits

Demonstrates why high-volume 3-point shooters produce superior offensive efficiency.
Eliminates bias against perimeter players in traditional field goal percentage comparisons.
Provides vital sabermetric insight for fantasy basketball and college scouting analytics.

Technical Limitations

Does not account for free throws earned during shooting motions (use True Shooting % for total scoring).
Treats long 2-pointers and rim layups with equal value.

How to Interpret Your Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator Results?

Evaluating weighted shooting efficiency requires holistic analysis across basketball offensive metrics:

Charity Stripe Integration: Check how foul shooting complements perimeter scoring using our free throw percentage calculator.
Multi-Sport Shooting Accuracy: Compare basketball conversion rates with soccer or hockey via our shooting percentage calculator.
Team Standings Correlation: Examine how team eFG% leads to postseason seedings using a win percentage calculator.
Year-Over-Year Improvements: Track an athlete's perimeter shooting evolution with our percentage increase calculator.
Multi-Game Aggregations: Calculate composite season-long weighted shooting averages with our average percentage calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is eFG% better than traditional FG%?

Because traditional FG% treats 2-pointers and 3-pointers identically, while eFG% awards an extra 50% credit to 3-point shots to reflect their true point value.

What is a good eFG% in the modern NBA?

The current NBA average eFG% is approximately 53% to 54%. An eFG% above 58% is very good, and above 62% is elite.

How does eFG% differ from True Shooting Percentage (TS%)?

eFG% only evaluates field goals and three-pointers, whereas True Shooting Percentage (TS%) also incorporates free throws into the overall efficiency formula.

How can players track progress toward a 60% eFG target?

To target efficient 60% eFG milestones across a full season schedule, track your progress with our percent to goal calculator.