EFG (Effective Field Goal) Calculator

The EFG (Effective Field Goal) Calculator computes basketball effective field goal percentage using field goals made, three-pointers made, and total field goal attempts.

What Is a EFG (Effective Field Goal) Calculator?

An EFG calculator computes effective field goal percentage, a stat that rewards three-pointers more than two-pointers. It improves on basic field goal percentage by adding extra credit for made threes. The output shows how efficiently a player or team uses each non–free throw shot attempt.

Use it for single games, multi-game stretches, or full seasons. It works for players, lineups, and teams in pro, college, or high school basketball. With clean inputs, you will get a fast, accurate view of shot value per attempt.

The Mechanics Behind EFG (Effective Field Goal)

EFG adjusts for shot value by counting a made three as one and a half made field goals. That reflects the three-point shot’s higher point value without overcomplicating the math. Unlike true shooting percentage, EFG ignores free throws and focuses only on field goal attempts.

• EFG gives an extra 0.5 credit for every made three-pointer.
• EFG uses field goals attempted as the denominator, not possessions.
• Free throws do not affect EFG directly; they matter in other efficiency stats.
• EFG can exceed 100% when a player makes a high share of threes.
• EFG is scaleable across levels: NBA, NCAA, FIBA, and high school.

Because it weights threes, EFG better reflects modern shot selection. Two players with the same FG% can have very different EFG if one hits more threes. That makes EFG a smarter snapshot for value per shot.

EFG (Effective Field Goal) Formulas & Derivations

The core formula is short and practical. You can compute EFG using made shots and attempts, or derive it from points when three-point data is missing. Understanding both helps when box scores vary.

• Primary formula: EFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA
• Two- and three-point split: EFG% = (2PM + 1.5 × 3PM) / FGA
• From points and free throws: EFG% = (PTS − FTM) / (2 × FGA)
• Percentage format: Multiply decimal by 100 to display as a percent.
• Range note: 0% to 150% (150% occurs with all made shots being threes).

The alternate points-based formula works because PTS − FTM isolates points from field goals. Divide by two to convert points to “made two-point equivalents.” Then scale by attempts. Use the classic formula when three-point makes are known; the points version is handy when they are not.

What You Need to Use the EFG (Effective Field Goal) Calculator

Gather basic box score stats before you start. Most score sheets print them clearly. If you have only total points and free throws, you can still compute EFG from those numbers.

• Field Goals Made (FGM)
• Field Goals Attempted (FGA)
• Three-Point Field Goals Made (3PM)
• Optional: Total Points (PTS) if 3PM is unavailable
• Optional: Free Throws Made (FTM) for the points-based method

Keep inputs realistic. FGA must be greater than zero to avoid division by zero. 3PM cannot exceed FGM, and FGM cannot exceed FGA. If you enter team totals, confirm they include overtime if that is your intent.

Using the EFG (Effective Field Goal) Calculator: A Walkthrough

Here’s a concise overview before we dive into the key points:

1. Choose whether you are entering player or team stats.
2. Input Field Goals Made and Field Goals Attempted.
3. Enter Three-Point Field Goals Made, even if it is zero.
4. If 3PM is unknown, switch to the points-based method and enter PTS and FTM.
5. Click Calculate to compute the EFG percentage.
6. Toggle the display to show decimal (0–1.5) or percentage (0%–150%).

These points provide quick orientation—use them alongside the full explanations in this page.

Case Studies

Player A scores 21 points on 6-for-12 shooting with 3 made threes. EFG% = (6 + 0.5 × 3) / 12 = (6 + 1.5) / 12 = 7.5 / 12 = 0.625, or 62.5%. That beats a simple FG% of 50% by capturing the value of the threes. What this means: Player A created strong value per attempt, driven by perimeter accuracy.

Player B shoots 3-for-6, all from three, and takes no free throws. EFG% = (3 + 0.5 × 3) / 6 = 4.5 / 6 = 0.75, or 75%. The same 50% FG rate would undervalue those shots; EFG shows elite efficiency for this game. What this means: When a player’s makes are mostly threes, EFG highlights that spike in shot value.

Accuracy & Limitations

EFG is one of the most reliable quick reads on shot value. Still, every metric has limits. Keep these in mind when making decisions with small samples or unusual game contexts.

• EFG ignores free throw generation and efficiency; TS% covers that.
• EFG does not account for turnovers, offensive rebounds, or pace.
• Shot difficulty, defensive pressure, and play context are not captured.
• Stat entry errors or missing 3PM data can skew results.
• Short game samples can swing wildly; use larger samples for trends.

Use EFG alongside usage rate, turnover rate, rebound metrics, and on/off data to see the full picture. For scouting, blend the number with film review to understand how shot quality is created.

Units Reference

EFG is unit-light, which makes it easy to compare across leagues. You count made and attempted shots and express the result as a decimal or percent. The first time you see abbreviations like FGM, FGA, 3PM, and EFG%, use this table to stay aligned.

Read EFG as a rate: more is better. Decimal output is common in analytics; broadcasters often use percent. Values above 60% are strong in most contexts, but sample size and opponent quality matter.

Troubleshooting

If your result looks off, verify the inputs and the method you selected. Most odd outputs come from typos or inconsistent box score lines.

• EFG above 100% is not an error if many makes are threes.
• 3PM cannot exceed FGM; fix if it does.
• FGA must be greater than zero; otherwise the math is undefined.
• Using the points-based method? Confirm you used FTM, not FTA.

Still stuck? Recompute directly: EFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA. If 3PM is missing, use EFG% = (PTS − FTM) / (2 × FGA) and compare both when possible.

FAQ about EFG (Effective Field Goal) Calculator

How is EFG different from regular field goal percentage?

FG% counts all made shots the same. EFG adds 0.5 for each made three, reflecting the extra point they produce. This makes EFG better for judging modern shooting value.

Can EFG be higher than 100%?

Yes. If a player makes a high share of threes, EFG can exceed 100% and approach 150% in extreme cases. That is expected and shows strong three-point impact.

Does EFG include free throws?

No. EFG only uses field goal attempts. To include free throws, use true shooting percentage (TS%), which blends field goals, free throws, and three-point value.

Is EFG useful for teams or just players?

Both. Team EFG summarizes how well the offense generates valuable shots. Use it to compare game plans, track trends, and benchmark against league averages.

Glossary for EFG (Effective Field Goal)

Field Goals Made (FGM)

The number of shots made from the field, including both two-pointers and three-pointers.

Field Goals Attempted (FGA)

The total number of shots taken from the field, excluding free throws.

Three-Point Field Goals Made (3PM)

The number of made shots taken from beyond the three-point line.

Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%)

A shooting efficiency metric that weights made threes by an extra 0.5 to reflect their higher value.

True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

A comprehensive shooting metric that includes field goals, three-pointers, and free throws in one rate.

Two-Point Field Goals Made (2PM)

The number of made shots worth two points; equals FGM minus 3PM.

Free Throws Made (FTM)

The number of free throws converted; used in the alternate EFG derivation from points.

Usage Rate

The share of team plays a player ends with a shot, turnover, or drawn foul while on the court.

References

Here’s a concise overview before we dive into the key points:

• Basketball-Reference glossary: Effective Field Goal Percentage
• Wikipedia: Effective field goal percentage
• NBA Stats Glossary: EFG%
• Ken Pomeroy: Ratings methodology and shooting metrics
• Sports-Reference College Basketball Glossary: EFG%

These points provide quick orientation—use them alongside the full explanations in this page.