Calculate basketball field goal percentage (FG%) to measure shooting efficiency.
Basketball Field Goal Percentage Calculator
Calculate your Field Goal Percentage (FG%) to measure overall shooting efficiency and scoring impact.
Shooting Stats
Enter your field goals made and attempted (2PA + 3PA)
Understanding the Inputs
The fundamental stats required for FG% calculation
Field Goals Made (FGM)
The total number of field goals (2-pointers and 3-pointers) that successfully went through the hoop.
Includes layups, dunks, mid-range, and 3-pointers
Does NOT include Free Throws
Field Goals Attempted (FGA)
The total number of shots taken from the field, including both made and missed shots.
Counts blocked shots as attempts
Excluded if a foul is called (unless the shot goes in)
Formula Used
FG% = (Field Goals Made / Field Goals Attempted) × 100
This formula calculates the raw shooting percentage from the field. It treats 2-point and 3-point shots equally in terms of make/miss ratio, unlike Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) which helps weight 3-pointers.
Field Goal Percentage (FG%) is the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted. In basketball, a "field goal" is any shot scored from the court during live play, including 2-pointers (layups, dunks, mid-range jumpshots) and 3-pointers. Free throws do not count as field goals.
This statistic serves as the primary indicator of a player's or team's shooting accuracy. A high FG% generally suggests an efficient offense that generates high-quality shots, while a low FG% often indicates forced shots or poor execution.
How to Calculate FG%
The math is simple, yet it drives billion-dollar decisions in the NBA.
FG% = (Field Goals Made / Field Goals Attempted) × 100
Example: LeBron James shoots 10 for 15 in a game.
Made: 10
Attempted: 15
Calculation: (10 / 15) × 100 = 66.7%
Benchmarks by Position: Context is King
Not all 50% shooters are created equal. Since shots near the basket are easier to make than perimeter shots, average FG% varies heavily by position.
Centers / Bigs
Centers who primarily catch lobs and attempt put-backs typically have the highest FG%.
Elite: >65% (e.g., Rudy Gobert, DeAndre Jordan)
Good: 55-60%
Average: 50-55%
Forwards / Wings
These players take a mix of drives and jumpers.
Elite: >50% (e.g., Kevin Durant, LeBron James)
Good: 45-49%
Average: 42-45%
Guards
Guards take the most difficult shots (off the dribble, from distance) and thus have lower expected percentages.
Elite: >48% (e.g., Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving)
Good: 43-47%
Average: 40-43%
The "Deandre Jordan Effect" (Limitations)
FG% can be misleading without context. A center who only dunks the ball might shoot 70%, while a superstar guard who carries the offense with difficult 3-pointers shoots 45%. Is the center a "better" shooter? No.
Key Limitations:
Volume: Low-volume players often have inflated percentages.
Shot Difficulty: FG% doesn't account for the difficulty of the shot created.
3-Point Disadvantage: A player shooting 40% from 3 is more valuable than a player shooting 45% from 2, but raw FG% penalizes the 3-point shooter.
FG% vs. Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)
Because 3-pointers are worth 50% more than 2-pointers, modern analytics prefers Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%). This metric adjusts for the extra value of the 3-ball.
Formula: (FGM + 0.5 * 3PM) / FGA
However, traditional FG% remains the standard for box scores and general broadcast graphics because of its simplicity.
Strategies to Improve Your FG%
Improving efficiency isn't just about "shooting better"—it's about playing smarter.
1. Improve Shot Selection
The fastest way to raise your FG% is to eliminate low-percentage shots. Avoid contested long 2s. Prioritize layups and open catch-and-shoot 3s.
2. Move Without the Ball
Stationary targets are easy to guard. Cutting to the basket or relocating on the perimeter gets you easier, open looks, which are statistically more likely to go in.
3. Develop a "Go-To" Move
Having one unstoppable move (like a floater or a drop-step) that you can execute at a high percentage gives you a safety valve when the offense breaks down.
The Art of Shot Selection
Shot selection is the mental component of FG%. A "good shot" varies by player:
Range: Only take shots you practice. If you shoot 20% from 3 in practice, don't take them in games.
Context: A contested jumper with 2 seconds on the shot clock is a "good shot." The same shot with 18 seconds left is a "bad shot."
Rhythm: Stepping into a shot in rhythm yields higher percentages than hesitating.
Summary
Field Goal Percentage (FG%) is the baseline metric of basketball efficiency. While advanced stats like eFG% and True Shooting % (TS%) offer more nuance, FG% remains the universal language for "making shots." By understanding your role, refining your shot selection, and mastering your mechanics, you can maximize your FG% and become a more valuable asset to any team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Field Goal Percentage
How do I calculate Field Goal Percentage?
Divide total made field goals (2s and 3s) by total attempts. Multiply by 100. Do not include free throws.
What is a good FG% for a Point Guard?
For a point guard, anything above 43-45% is considered good. Over 48% is elite. Guards generally have lower percentages because they take more difficult perimeter shots compared to centers.
Does FG% include Free Throws?
No. Free throws are tracked separately as FT%. They are not "field goals" because they happen while the clock is stopped. To include free throws in efficiency, use True Shooting Percentage (TS%).
Why is 50/40/90 impressive?
The 50/40/90 club refers to shooting 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line over a whole season. It represents the pinnacle of all-around shooting efficiency. Very few players (Nash, Bird, Curry, Durant, Brogdon) have achieved it.
How does volume affect FG%?
Typically, as volume increases (taking more shots), efficiency decreases because the defense focuses more on you, forcing tougher shots. Maintaining a high FG% on high volume is the mark of a superstar.
Who has the highest career FG%?
DeAndre Jordan holds the record (approx 67%), primarily because almost all his shots are dunks and layups (high percentage). This highlights the contextual difference between centers and shooters.
What is eFG%?
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) adjusts FG% to account for the fact that 3-pointers are worth 1.5x more than 2-pointers. It is a more accurate measure of scoring value per shot.
What is a "Field Goal"?
A field goal is any basket scored on any shot other than a free throw. It includes 2-point shots (dunks, layups, jumpers) and 3-point shots.
Usage of this Calculator
Who Should Use This Calculator?
Scoring GuardsCheck if your shot selection is holding your team back.
CoachesIndentify the most efficient lineups.
Role PlayersProve your efficiency value to earn more minutes.
AnalystsBreak down box scores quickly.
Real-World Examples
Case Study A: The Slasher
Player shoots 8/12, mostly layups. FG% = 66.7%. Analysis: Highly efficient, putting pressure on the rim.
Case Study B: The Chucker
Player shoots 8/25, mostly contested jumpers. FG% = 32%. Analysis: Hurts the offense; "shooting the team out of the game".
Summary
The Basketball Field Goal Percentage Calculator allows players and coaches to instantly assess offensive efficiency.
While it is a raw metric, a high FG% is the hallmark of effective offense. Use this number as a starting point to dive deeper into shot charts and play types.
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Calculate basketball field goal percentage (FG%) to measure shooting efficiency.
How to use Basketball Field Goal Percentage Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the Basketball Field Goal Percentage Calculator:
Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
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Frequently asked questions
How do I use the Basketball Field Goal Percentage Calculator?
Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Basketball Field Goal Percentage Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.
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Are the results from Basketball Field Goal Percentage Calculator accurate?
Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.