Calculator
Definition – What is “Passer Rating” or “QB Rating”?
Passer rating is a football statistic that evaluates a quarterback’s passing performance. The NFL, CFL, and NCAA football use it.
It is a mix of passing attempts, passing yards, completions, touchdown passes, and interceptions. The mixed statistic compares a quarterback’s ability with their peer’s.
The NFL’s statistical committee developed passer rating in the early 70s. It replaced an existing system.
The NCAA formula is different from the formula used by the NFL and CFL. Many high school statistics use the NCAA version.
NFL vs CFL vs NCAA passer ratings
NFL and CFL passer ratings have a cap of 158.3.
NCAA passer ratings do not have a cap.
Passer Rating vs QBR
QBR is a statistic proprietary to ESPN. The formula is not known to the public.
Formula – How to calculate Passer Rating
NFL and CFL formula:
a = ((completions ÷ passing attempts) – 0.3) x 5
b = ((passing yards ÷ passing attempts) – 3) x 0.25
c = (touchdown passes ÷ passing attempts) x 20
d = 2.375 – ((interceptions ÷ passing attempts) x 25)
If any of a, b, c, or d are less than ‘0’, then they calculated as 0.
If any of a,b,c, or d are more than 2.375, then they are calculated as 2.375.
Passer Rating = ((a + b + c + d) ÷ 6) x 100
NCAA Formula:
NCAA Passer Rating = ((8.4 x Passing Yards) + (330 x Touchdown Passes) + (100 x Number of Completions) – (200 x Interceptions)) ÷ Passing Attempts
There are no minimums or maximums in the NCAA passer rating formula.
Example
A quarterback makes 659 passing attempts. They have 450 completions, pass for 5,477 yards, make 55 touchdown passes, and have 10 interceptions.
NFL & CFL Formula Calculation
a = ((450 ÷ 659) – 0.3) x 5 = 1.914
b = ((5,477 ÷ 659) – 3) x 0.25 = 1.328
c = (55 ÷ 659) x 20 = 1.669
d = 2.375 – ((10 ÷ 659) x 25) = 1.996
Passer Rating = ((1.914 + 1.328 + 1.669 + 1.996) ÷ 6) x 100
Passer Rating = 115.12
Therefore, the quarterback’s passer rating in the NFL or CFL is 115.12.
NCAA Formula Calculation
NCAA Passer Rating = ((8.4 x Passing Yards) + (330 x Touchdown Passes) + (100 x Number of Completions) – (200 x Interceptions)) ÷ Passing Attempts
NCAA Passer Rating = ((8.4 x 5,477) + (330 x 55) + (100 x 450) – (200 x 10)) ÷ 659
NCAA Passer Rating = (46,006.8 + 18,150 + 45,000 – 2,000) ÷ 659
NCAA Passer Rating = 107,156.8 ÷ 659
NCAA Passer Rating = 162.61
Therefore, this QB’s passer rating in the NCAA is 162.61.
Sources and more resources
- NFL – Quarterback Rating Formula (via Archive.org) – The official description of the QB rating formula.
- Wikipedia – Passer Rating and Quarterback – Wikipedia’s description of the terms on this page.
- NFL player passing statistics from the NFL, ESPN, Fox Sports, and Pro-Football-Reference.
- CFL passer ratings from the CFL (passer rating is “EFFIC”), TSN (passer rating is “RTG”), and MSN (passer rating is “RATING”).
- College football player passing statistics from the NCAA and ESPN.