FG% Calculator
Definition – What is Field Goal Percentage?
Field goal percentage (FG%) is the percentage of successful shots (2 or 3 point) to attempted shots (2 or 3 point). It does not include free throw attempts or baskets. It is like “shooting percentage” metrics found in Hockey or Soccer.
FG% percentage is a performance statistic. It can help show a player’s ability independent of pure scoring.
A criticism of field goal percentage is that it does not distinguish between 2 and 3 point shots. An alternate metric is “Effective Field Goal Percentage” (eFG%), which does.
Another challenge is that it does not consider free throws. A player who can move towards the basket, get fouled, score with a free-throw adds to a team’s success. An alternate metric is “True Shooting Percentage” (TS%), which does.
Formula – How to calculate Field Goal %
FG% = Field Goals ÷ Field Goal Attempts
Where:
- A “Field Goal” is a basket that counts for a point that is not a free throw.
- A “Field Goal Attempt” is an attempt at a basket that is not a free throw.
Example
A player has made 514 field goal attempts, and in that time has made a total of 261 field goals (both 2 and 3 points)
FG% = 261 ÷ 514
FG% = 0.5078
Therefore, this player has an FG% of .5078, or 50.78%.
More resources
- Wikipedia – Field Goal Percentage (Basketball) and Field Goal (Basketball) – Wikipedia’s entries on Field Goals in Basketball.
- Statistical leaders from ESPN – (NBA and NCAA), Sports Reference (Career Leaders and Records and Single Season Leaders and Career Records)
- Deadspin – The Best Shooters in the NBA, and Why field goal Percentage Can’t Identify Them
- Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research – Basketball player field-goal percentage influence factors quantitative analysis and research