What Is Effective Field Goal Percentage?
What the eFG Calculator Does
An eFG Calculator helps measure how efficient a basketball player is at shooting. eFG stands for effective field goal percentage. It improves on regular field goal percentage by giving extra value to three-point shots.
This basketball eFG calculator shows how well a player scores based on shot type, not just how many shots go in. It gives a clearer picture of real shooting impact.
Why Raw Field Goal Percentage Falls Short
Regular field goal percentage treats all made shots the same. But in basketball, a three-point shot is worth more than a two-point shot. Effective field goal percentage fixes this by weighting three-pointers higher.
Because of this, eFG% is a better measure of shooting efficiency. It explains why a player who makes fewer shots can still be more valuable if they hit more threes.
How the Calculator Weights Your Threes
The calculator uses three main values: total field goals made, three-point field goals made, and total field goal attempts. It applies a simple formula that adds extra value to three-point shots.
This process turns raw shooting numbers into clear field goal efficiency data. It helps coaches, players, and fans understand true scoring impact without complex math.
Comparing Inside Scorers With Perimeter Shooters
eFG% is widely used in modern basketball because it reflects shot value calculation. It helps compare players who take different types of shots, such as inside scorers and perimeter shooters. Effective shooting stats are often reviewed alongside athletic performance and finishing ability, and overall scoring analysis may also involve tools like the Dunk Calculator..
How to Calculate eFG%
The eFG Formula
The effective field goal percentage (eFG%) uses a simple formula that adjusts normal shooting percentage by giving extra value to three-point shots. This reflects real scoring impact more accurately than basic field goal percentage.
formula
eFG% = (Field Goals Made + 0.5 × Three-Point Field Goals Made) ÷ Field Goal Attempts
This formula counts three-pointers as more valuable because they score one extra point compared to two-point shots.
Why Three-Pointers Get Half a Make Extra
In basketball, a made three-pointer scores more than a two-pointer. Regular shooting stats do not show this difference. The shot value calculation in eFG% fixes that gap. By adding half a make for every three-pointer, the formula balances two-point vs three-point shots. This makes eFG% a stronger measure of shooting efficiency and field goal efficiency.
Worked Example: 8 Makes, 4 Threes, 16 Shots
- Field goals made: 8
- Three-point field goals made: 4
- Field goal attempts: 16
eFG% = (8 + 0.5 × 4) ÷ 16 = (8 + 2) ÷ 16 = 10 ÷ 16 = 0.625 or 62.5% This shows the player’s true scoring impact, not just how many shots went in.
How the Calculator Applies the Formula
The eFG Calculator takes your shooting numbers and applies the formula instantly. You enter total field goals made, three-pointers made, and total attempts. The calculator handles the weighting automatically.
This removes manual math and helps with quick review of basketball shooting stats during games, practice analysis, or season breakdowns.
Why Modern Basketball Analysis Uses eFG%
Coaches and analysts use eFG% because it reflects how efficient a player really is at scoring. It rewards smart shot selection and highlights players who score efficiently from long range. That is why eFG% has become a key part of modern basketball analysis and is often used when comparing shooters with different roles and shot profiles.
eFG% vs Raw FG%: Two Shooters Compared
Two shooters, identical 20 attempts - the extra half-credit for threes makes them equal where raw FG% calls one worse:
| Shooter | Makes | Raw FG% | eFG% |
|---|---|---|---|
| All two-pointers | 10 of 20 (all 2s) | 50.0% | 50.0% |
| Three-point heavy | 8 of 20 (4 threes) | 40.0% | 50.0% |
Both produced 20 points on 20 shots - eFG% sees that, raw FG% doesn't. League-wide eFG% sits in the low-to-mid 50s in the modern NBA; anything above ~58% for a high-volume player is exceptional.