eFG Calculator
Calculate effective field goal percentage (eFG%) for basketball. This advanced metric accounts for the added value of 3-point shots, providing a more accurate measure of shooting efficiency.
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What is Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)?
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is an advanced basketball statistic that provides a more accurate measure of shooting efficiency by accounting for the added value of 3-point shots. Unlike traditional field goal percentage, eFG% recognizes that 3-pointers are worth 1.5 times more than 2-pointers.
This metric is essential for modern basketball analysis because it gives a fair assessment of a player's shooting ability regardless of shot selection. A player who makes 4 out of 10 three-pointers (40%) has the same eFG% as a player who makes 6 out of 10 two-pointers (60%), reflecting the equal scoring value.
eFG% is widely used by coaches, analysts, and scouts to evaluate player performance and make strategic decisions about shot selection and player development.
How to Calculate eFG%
The eFG% formula accounts for the extra value of 3-point shots by giving them a 1.5x multiplier:
eFG% = (Field Goals Made + 0.5 × 3-Point Field Goals Made) ÷ Field Goal Attempts × 100
Example: A player makes 6 two-pointers and 4 three-pointers out of 15 total attempts.
- • Field Goals Made: 6 + 4 = 10
- • 3-Point Field Goals Made: 4
- • Field Goal Attempts: 15
- • eFG% = (10 + 0.5 × 4) ÷ 15 × 100 = 12 ÷ 15 × 100 = 80%
This shows the player's effective shooting efficiency is 80%, which is higher than their traditional field goal percentage of 66.7% (10/15).
eFG% vs Traditional Field Goal Percentage
Understanding the difference between eFG% and traditional field goal percentage is crucial for accurate basketball analysis:
Traditional FG%
Treats all field goals equally, regardless of point value. Simple but doesn't account for 3-point shot efficiency.
eFG%
Accounts for 3-point shot value, providing a more accurate measure of shooting efficiency and scoring impact.
Modern basketball analytics favor eFG% because it better reflects a player's true shooting value and scoring efficiency, especially in today's 3-point heavy game.
eFG% Performance Benchmarks
Here are typical eFG% ranges for different levels of basketball performance:
Below Average
Below 45%
Average
45% - 52%
Good
52% - 58%
Elite
Above 58%
These benchmarks can vary by position and league level, but they provide a general framework for evaluating shooting efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is eFG% better than traditional field goal percentage?
eFG% accounts for the added value of 3-point shots, providing a more accurate measure of shooting efficiency. It recognizes that 3-pointers are worth 1.5 times more than 2-pointers, giving a fair assessment regardless of shot selection.
What's a good eFG% for different positions?
Guards typically have lower eFG% (45-52%) due to more 3-point attempts, while centers have higher eFG% (50-58%) due to closer shots. Forwards usually fall in between (48-55%).
How does eFG% compare to true shooting percentage (TS%)?
eFG% only accounts for field goals, while TS% includes free throws. TS% is more comprehensive, but eFG% is simpler and focuses specifically on field goal efficiency.
Can eFG% be higher than 100%?
No, eFG% cannot exceed 100%. The maximum occurs when a player makes all their field goal attempts, regardless of 2-point or 3-point distribution.
How is eFG% used in basketball analytics?
eFG% is used to evaluate shooting efficiency, compare players across different shot selections, assess team offensive performance, and make strategic decisions about shot selection and player development.