Calculate the most accurate measure of scoring efficiency by accounting for 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free throws.
Shootings Stats Input
Enter values from a single game or season totals
Understanding the Inputs
The minimal data needed for the advanced calculation
Total Points (PTS)
The final output of scoring. Includes all made field goals and free throws. This is the numerator of efficiency.
Field Goals Attempted (FGA)
Every shot from the floor, whether it went in or not. TS% penalizes missed shots just like FG%.
Free Throws Attempted (FTA)
Crucial for TS%. Since free throws use possessions but aren't "Field Goals," this formula accounts for them uniquely.
Formula Used
TS% = PTS / (2 × (FGA + (0.44 × FTA)))
The 0.44 coefficient accounts for technical free throws and "and-one" situations where a free throw is attempted without using an extra possession. It estimates that 44% of free throws essentially use up a possession.
True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is an advanced statistic that measures a player's shooting efficiency by accounting for 2-point field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws.
Unlike traditional stats that treat every shot attempt as equal (or ignore free throws entirely), TS% recognizes that:
3-pointers are 50% more valuable than 2-pointers.
Free throws are a critical source of points that use up offensive possessions.
It essentially answers the question: "For every shooting possession this player uses, how efficiently do they generate points?"
Why Field Goal Percentage is Misleading
For decades, raw Field Goal Percentage (FG%) was the standard. But it has a fatal flaw: it treats a layup and a 3-pointer exactly the same.
Example:
Player A (Center): Shoots 5/10 on 2-pointers. Points: 10. FG%: 50%.
Player B (Shooter): Shoots 4/10 on 3-pointers. Points: 12. FG%: 40%.
Looking at FG%, Player A seems better (50% vs 40%). But Player B actually scored more points on the same number of shots! TS% corrects this error, correctly identifying Player B as the more efficient scorer.
The 0.44 Mystery: Formula Explained
The formula for TS% is:
TS% = PTS / (2 * (FGA + 0.44 * FTA))
We know PTS (Points) and FGA (Field Goals Attempted). But why 0.44 * FTA?
TS% attempts to calculate "points per scoring attempt." A field goal attempt is clearly one scoring attempt. But free throws are trickier. Usually, you get 2 free throws for a foul.
If you take 2 free throws, you have used up what would have been roughly 1 possession. So, 2 FTA = 1 Possession. Logic suggests the coefficient should be 0.5.
However, not all free throws end a possession:
And-Ones: You score a basket AND get 1 free throw. That free throw is "extra"—it doesn't use a new possession.
Technical Fouls: One shot, no possession loss.
3-Second Violations: One shot, team keeps ball.
Statisticians determined that across NBA history, roughly 44% of free throws use a possession, while the rest are part of "and-ones" or technicals. This 0.44 coefficient makes the formula surprisingly accurate without needing complex play-by-play data.
FG% vs. eFG% vs. TS%
Understanding the hierarchy of shooting stats is crucial:
1. Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
Formula: FGM / FGA
Verdict: Outdated. Only useful for centers who never shoot 3s or free throws.
2. Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)
Formula: (FGM + 0.5 * 3PM) / FGA
Verdict: Better. It adjusts for 3-pointers being worth more. However, it completely ignores free throws.
3. True Shooting Percentage (TS%)
Formula: See above.
Verdict: Gold Standard. It includes 2s, 3s, and Free Throws in one weighted number. It is the comprehensive measure of how well a player turns possessions into points.
TS% Benchmarks: What is "Good"?
Because TS% includes 3-pointers (worth 1.5x) and free throws (highly efficient), TS% numbers are typically higher than FG% numbers.
TS% Range
Rating
Context
60% +
Elite
Superstars like Curry, Durant, Jokic. Extremely efficient.
57% - 60%
Great
Solidly above league average.
54% - 57%
League Average
Standard NBA efficiency (changes slightly by era).
50% - 54%
Below Average
Inefficient, often high-volume chuckers.
< 50%
Poor
Active liability on offense unless providing value elsewhere.
Case Studies: The Masters of Efficiency
Stephen Curry (The 3-Point Anomaly)
Curry revolutionized TS% because he proved you could have Elite TS% (65%+) while taking difficult shots. His high volume of 3-pointers means his raw FG% might be 47%, which looks "good," but his TS% is 65%, which is "god-tier" because so many of those makes are worth 3 points.
James Harden (The Free Throw Merchant)
In his prime, Harden often had mediocre FG% (44%), but his TS% was elite (62%). Why? Because he got to the free throw line 10+ times a game and made 85% of them. Free throws are the most efficient shot in basketball, and TS% correctly rewards this.
How to Improve Your TS%
If you perform a self-analysis using this calculator and find your TS% is low, here is how to fix it:
Eliminate the Mid-Range: The long 2-pointer is mathematically the worst shot in basketball. It has the difficulty of a 3-pointer but the value of a layup. Replace long 2s with 3s or drives.
Get to the Line: Aggressively driving to draw fouls adds high-value FTA to your denominator. Making 2 free throws is virtually guaranteed TS% boosting.
Improve Free Throw Accuracy: It sounds obvious, but missing free throws destroys TS% twice: you waste the "possession cost" of the attempt and get zero points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about True Shooting Percentage
Is TS% fair to centers?
Typically, centers have very high TS% (often 60%+) because they take high-percentage shots near the rim (dunks/layups). TS% is fair, but you should compare centers to other centers, and guards to other guards.
Does TS% measure defense?
No. TS% is purely a shooting efficiency metric. It says nothing about assists, rebounds, or defense. A player can have a 70% TS% but be a terrible overall player if they don't defend or pass.
What is the "50-40-90" club?
This refers to shooting 50% FG, 40% 3PT, and 90% FT in a season. Players who achieve this (like Nash, Bird, Durant, Curry) almost always have astronomical TS% because they are efficient from everywhere.
Can TS% go over 100%?
Technically, yes, though essentially impossible over a season. In a single game, if a player shoots 1/1 on 3-pointers (3 points) and takes no free throws, the formula is 3 / (2 * 1) = 1.5 = 150%.
Usage of this Calculator
Who Should Use This?
Scouts & AnalystsFilter out "inefficient volume scorers" from true superstars.
CoachesDetermine which players should be taking more shots and which should take fewer.
Shooting GuardsEvaluate if your shot selection is actually helping the team.
BettorsIdentify teams with highly efficient offenses that are undervalued by raw PPG.
Summary
The True Shooting Percentage (TS%) Calculator is the modern authority on scoring efficiency.
By accurately weighting 3-pointers and accounting for the "possession cost" of free throws, it reveals the true value of a scorer beyond simple counting stats, making it indispensable for serious basketball analysis.
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Calculate true shooting percentage (TS%) to measure overall scoring efficiency including 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free throws.
How to use Basketball True Shooting Percentage Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the Basketball True Shooting Percentage Calculator:
Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
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Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the Basketball True Shooting Percentage Calculator?
Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Basketball True Shooting Percentage Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.
Is the Basketball True Shooting Percentage Calculator free to use?
Yes, the Basketball True Shooting Percentage Calculator is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.
Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?
Yes, the Basketball True Shooting Percentage Calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Are the results from Basketball True Shooting 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.