Calculate basketball Effective Field Goal Percentage that adjusts for three-pointers being worth more than two-point shots.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is one of the most important shooting metrics in basketball analytics. Unlike regular field goal percentage, eFG% accounts for the additional value of three-point shots by giving them 50% more credit than two-point field goals. A player who shoots 40% from three is actually contributing more per shot than one who shoots 50% on twos—and eFG% captures this.
The formula adds half of three-pointers made to the standard FG% calculation: eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA. This simple adjustment provides a much more accurate picture of shooting efficiency. In the modern NBA, eFG% has become essential for evaluating player value, shot selection, and offensive strategy.
This calculator computes eFG% from shooting splits, compares it to league averages across eras, provides context for how different shot distributions affect efficiency, and includes True Shooting Percentage (TS%) when free throw data is available. Check the example with realistic values before reporting.
Understanding eFG% helps evaluate true shooting efficiency, optimize shot selection, and compare players across different play styles and eras. Keep these notes focused on your operational context. Tie the context to the calculator’s intended domain. Use this clarification to avoid ambiguous interpretation. Align this note with review checkpoints. Apply this where interpretation shifts by use case.
eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA × 100. Regular FG% = FGM / FGA × 100. True Shooting % (TS%) = Points / (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA)) × 100. Points estimate = (FGM - 3PM) × 2 + 3PM × 3 + FTM × 1.
Result: eFG% = 52.8%, TS% = 56.8%
With 8/18 FG (including 3/8 3PT) and 4/5 FT: eFG% = (8 + 0.5×3)/18 = 52.8%. Total points = 5×2 + 3×3 + 4×1 = 23. TS% = 23/(2×(18+0.44×5)) = 56.8%.
The rise of basketball analytics fundamentally changed how we evaluate scoring. Traditional FG% suggested that a player shooting 50% is better than one shooting 40%—end of story. But eFG% reveals that a 40% three-point shooter (60% eFG on threes) is more efficient per shot than a 50% mid-range shooter. This insight drove the NBA's massive shift toward three-point shooting, with teams like the 2015-2018 Warriors building dynasties around this principle.
Modern NBA offenses optimize for two shot types: threes and rim attempts. The "mid-range death zone" (long twos inside the arc) is avoided because these shots rarely exceed 45% accuracy, giving eFG% below 45%. In contrast, restricted area shots (65-70% accuracy, eFG% = 65-70%) and corner threes (39-42% accuracy, eFG% = 58-63%) are the most efficient looks. This shapes everything from offensive schemes to player development.
When comparing players, eFG% should be considered alongside volume. A player with 55% eFG% on 20 FGA per game is more valuable than one with 60% eFG% on 5 FGA because maintaining efficiency at high volume is extremely difficult. Usage rate, shot difficulty, and whether shots are assisted or self-created all provide context that raw eFG% doesn't capture alone.
In the NBA, league average eFG% is about 52-54%. Above 55% is good, above 58% is excellent, and above 60% is elite. For reference, the best shooters sustain 60-65% eFG%.
FG% treats all field goals equally. eFG% gives three-pointers 50% more credit because they're worth 50% more points. A player shooting 35% from three has a higher point-per-shot value than one shooting 50% on mid-range twos.
TS% is more comprehensive because it includes free throws. However, eFG% isolates shooting ability from free throw drawing. Both are useful in different contexts—eFG% for shot selection analysis, TS% for overall scoring efficiency.
Because the 0.5× bonus for threes reflects their extra point value. A player who goes 4/10 from three (40%) has an eFG% of 60% on those shots, equal to shooting 60% on twos.
NBA league eFG% has risen from ~48% in the 1990s to ~54% in the 2020s, driven by the three-point revolution and better shot selection (fewer mid-range jumpers, more threes and layups). Use this as a practical reminder before finalizing the result.
Technically, yes—if a player makes nothing but threes. Going 4/4 from three gives eFG% = (4+2)/4 = 150%. In practice, sustained eFG% over 70% for a season is extremely rare.