Calculate 3-point field goal percentage to measure long-range shooting accuracy and efficiency.
Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator
Calculate 3FG% and analyze shooting efficiency. See how your shooting accuracy compares to NBA, NCAA, and High School benchmarks.
3-Point Percentage Calculator
Calculate 3FG% and verify shooting efficiency benchmarks.
Understanding the Inputs
Standard box score metrics needed
Makes (3PM)
The number of successful shots made from behind the 3-point arc.
Attempts (3PA)
The total number of shots taken from behind the arc, including both makes and misses.
Formula Used
3P% = (3PM / 3PA) × 100
Equivalent 2P% = 3P% × 1.5
The basic formula is a simple ratio. However, the "Equivalent 2P%" is crucial for understanding value. Because 3 points is 50% more than 2 points, shooting 33% from the 3-point line generates the same number of points as shooting 50% from inside the arc.
3-Point Percentage: The Stat That Changed the Game
The 3-point revolution has fundamentally altered basketball geometry. Understanding 3-point percentage is no longer just for specialists; it is the primary litmus test for modern offensive viability.
3-Point Percentage (3P%) represents the ratio of successful 3-point field goals made to the total number of attempts.
Since its introduction to the NBA in 1979, the volume of attempts has exploded. In the 1980s, teams took fewer than 5 threes per game. Today, teams routinely take over 35.
The Math: Why 3 > 2
The math is simple but powerful. A shot worth 50% more points requires much lower accuracy to be equally efficient.
3-Point %
Points Per Shot
Equivalent 2-Point %
30%
0.90
45%
33.3%
1.00
50%
35%
1.05
52.5%
40%
1.20
60%
If you shoot 33.3% from deep, you are just as efficient as a mid-range shooter hitting 50% of their shots. Since shooting 50% on long 2s is extremely difficult (even for stars), the 3-pointer is almost always the better mathematical bet.
Benchmarks: Average vs. Elite
What percentage makes you a "threat"?
Elite (40%+)
The gold standard. Shooters like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kyle Korver. Defenders cannot help off you, ever.
Good (36% - 39%)
Solid floor spacer. The defense respects you and will close out hard. Most starters aim for this range.
Average (33% - 35%)
League average. You take open ones, but you aren't forcing the defense to change its entire scheme.
Poor (< 30%)
Non-spacer. Defense will "sag" off you to protect the paint, making it harder for your teammates to drive.
The Concept of "Gravity"
High 3-point percentage creates Gravity. Because defenders are terrified of leaving a 40% shooter open, they stay glued to them at the 3-point line.
This pulls defenders out of the paint, creating driving lanes for teammates. A shooter standing in the corner doing nothing can actually help the offense score a layup just by existing, provided their percentage is high enough to demand respect.
The Sample Size Trap
3-point shooting is incredibly "noisy." It takes about 750 attempts for a player's percentage to stabilize and reflect their true skill level. In a short 20-game sample, a bad shooter can get hot (45%) and a great shooter can slump (30%).
Do not overreact to small sample sizes. Look at career numbers and free throw percentage (which correlates strongly with shooting touch) to evaluate true talent.
Conclusion
3-Point Percentage is the gatekeeper stat of modern basketball. It dictates spacing, defensive schemes, and player value. Use this calculator to track your efficiency and understand exactly how much value you are adding to your team's offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 3-Point Percentage
Is 40% really that rare?
Yes. In any given NBA season, usually fewer than 30-40 players shoot about 40% on high volume. To sustain 40% while defenders are actively trying to stop you is extremely difficult.
Does difficulty of shot matter?
Absolutely. A player shooting 38% on wide-open "catch-and-shoot" corner 3s is very different from a player shooting 38% on pull-up 3s off the dribble (like Dame Lillard or Luka Dončić). The latter is much more valuable.
Why does Free Throw % predict 3-Point ability?
Free throws are a controlled environment isolating pure shooting mechanics and touch. If a player has good mechanics (80%+ FT), they likely have the potential to become a good 3-point shooter with practice. If they shoot 50% from the line, their mechanics are likely broken.
What is "Corner 3" vs "Above the Break"?
The corner 3-point line is actually closer to the basket (22 feet) than the top of the key (23 feet, 9 inches). Therefore, corner 3 percentages are typically higher. Elite "3&D" players often specialize specifically in the corner shot.
How does fatigue affect percentage?
Significantly. 3-point shooting requires legs for lift. Shooting percentages typically dip in the 4th quarter or on the second night of back-to-back games due to tired legs leading to shots falling short ("front rim").
What is the "Steph Curry Effect"?
The massive increase in shooting volume and range. Before Curry, taking a 3-pointer on a fast break or from 30 feet was considered a "bad shot." Now, data proves that for elite shooters, these are actually highly efficient shots.
Usage of this Calculator
Who Should Use This?
PlayersSet goals. Track your shooting in practice (e.g., make 70/100) vs games. Practice % is always higher than Game %.
CoachesShot selection. If a player shoots 25%, they should not have the "green light." If they shoot 42%, design plays for them.
RecruitersIdentify spacers. In modern basketball, you generally need at least 3 shooters on the floor at all times.
Summary
The Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator is a simple but vital tool for evaluating modern offensive skill.
It provides immediate feedback on shooting efficiency, helping players and coaches understand the mathematical power of the long ball.
Embed This Calculator
Add this calculator to your website or blog using the embed code below:
<div style="max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;">
<iframe
src="https://mycalculating.com/basketball-three-point-percentage-calculator?embed=true"
width="100%"
height="600"
style="border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px;"
loading="lazy"
title="${formatCalculatorTitle(calculatorSlug)} Calculator by MyCalculating.com"
></iframe>
<p style="text-align:center; font-size:12px; margin-top:4px;">
<a href="https://mycalculating.com/basketball-three-point-percentage-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
Use full version on <strong>MyCalculating.com</strong>
</a>
</p>
</div>
Calculate 3-point field goal percentage to measure long-range shooting accuracy and efficiency.
How to use Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator:
Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
Calculate. The calculator will automatically compute and display your results
Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator?
Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.
Is the Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator free to use?
Yes, the Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.
Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?
Yes, the Basketball 3-Point Percentage Calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Are the results from Basketball 3-Point 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.