Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) Calculator

About the Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) Calculator

Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is one of the most important shooting metrics in basketball analytics. Unlike regular field goal percentage, eFG% accounts for the additional value of three-point shots by giving them 50% more credit than two-point field goals. A player who shoots 40% from three is actually contributing more per shot than one who shoots 50% on twos—and eFG% captures this.

The formula adds half of three-pointers made to the standard FG% calculation: eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA. This simple adjustment provides a much more accurate picture of shooting efficiency. In the modern NBA, eFG% has become essential for evaluating player value, shot selection, and offensive strategy.

This calculator computes eFG% from shooting splits, compares it to league averages across eras, provides context for how different shot distributions affect efficiency, and includes True Shooting Percentage (TS%) when free throw data is available. Use the example to verify how a given shot mix translates into efficiency.

When This Page Helps

Use this calculator to translate box-score shooting splits into a possession-level efficiency read. It is most useful when comparing scorers with different three-point rates or evaluating whether a shot profile is actually productive.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter total field goals made and attempted
2. Input three-pointers made (and attempted for full analysis)
3. Optionally add free throw data for True Shooting %
4. Select a comparison context (NBA average, college, etc.)
5. Review eFG%, shot breakdown, and league comparison
6. Explore how changing shot selection would affect efficiency

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Always use eFG% instead of raw FG% when comparing shooters with different three-point rates
• A player's eFG% on three-pointers equals their 3PT% × 1.5 (e.g., 40% from 3 = 60% eFG on those shots)
• Mid-range twos are the least efficient shot type—they need 50%+ to match a 33% three-point rate in eFG%
• eFG% doesn't capture free throw value—use TS% for complete scoring efficiency
• Shot charts help explain anomalies—high eFG% often comes from corner threes and rim finishes
• When evaluating team offense, eFG% is more predictive of success than raw FG%

The Analytics Revolution and eFG%

The rise of basketball analytics fundamentally changed how we evaluate scoring. Traditional FG% suggested that a player shooting 50% is better than one shooting 40%—end of story. But eFG% reveals that a 40% three-point shooter (60% eFG on threes) is more efficient per shot than a 50% mid-range shooter. This insight drove the NBA's massive shift toward three-point shooting, with several dynasty-era teams building offenses around this principle.

Shot Distribution and Efficiency

Modern NBA offenses optimize for two shot types: threes and rim attempts. The "mid-range death zone" (long twos inside the arc) is avoided because these shots rarely exceed 45% accuracy, giving eFG% below 45%. In contrast, restricted area shots (65-70% accuracy, eFG% = 65-70%) and corner threes (39-42% accuracy, eFG% = 58-63%) are the most efficient looks. This shapes everything from offensive schemes to player development.

eFG% in Player Evaluation

When comparing players, eFG% should be considered alongside volume. A player with 55% eFG% on 20 FGA per game is more valuable than one with 60% eFG% on 5 FGA because maintaining efficiency at high volume is extremely difficult. Usage rate, shot difficulty, and whether shots are assisted or self-created all provide context that raw eFG% doesn't capture alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a good eFG%?

  In the NBA, league average eFG% is about 52-54%. Above 55% is good, above 58% is excellent, and above 60% is elite. For reference, the best shooters sustain 60-65% eFG%.

• How is eFG% different from FG%?

  FG% treats all field goals equally. eFG% gives three-pointers 50% more credit because they're worth 50% more points. A player shooting 35% from three has a higher point-per-shot value than one shooting 50% on mid-range twos.

• Is TS% better than eFG%?

  TS% is more comprehensive because it includes free throws. However, eFG% isolates shooting ability from free throw drawing. Both are useful in different contexts—eFG% for shot selection analysis, TS% for overall scoring efficiency.

• Why does three-point shooting affect eFG% so much?

  Because the 0.5× bonus for threes reflects their extra point value. A player who goes 4/10 from three (40%) has an eFG% of 60% on those shots, equal to shooting 60% on twos.

• What is the NBA average eFG% historically?

  NBA league eFG% has risen from the high-40% range in earlier decades to the low-to-mid-50% range in recent seasons, driven by the three-point revolution and better shot selection. Compare your output against the era you selected, since a 52% eFG% can mean very different things in different offensive environments.

• Can a team or player have eFG% over 100%?

  Technically, yes—if a player makes nothing but threes. Going 4/4 from three gives eFG% = (4+2)/4 = 150%. In practice, sustained eFG% over 70% for a season is extremely rare.