NBA True Shooting Calculator

Accurately measure a basketball player’s offensive efficiency by accounting for all scoring types: 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free throws. Our NBA True Shooting Calculator provides a comprehensive view of scoring effectiveness.

Calculate NBA True Shooting Percentage

Enter a player’s total points, field goal attempts, free throw attempts, field goals made, and three-pointers made to calculate their True Shooting Percentage (TS%) and Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%).

Example NBA Player True Shooting Statistics

Player	PTS	FGA	FTA	FGM	3PM	TS%	eFG%
Stephen Curry (2021-22)	2043	1407	290	693	285	60.1%	59.8%
Kevin Durant (2021-22)	1643	1103	400	596	109	61.9%	59.0%
Nikola Jokic (2021-22)	2004	1274	584	764	97	66.1%	62.2%

What is NBA True Shooting Percentage?

The NBA True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is an advanced basketball statistic designed to provide a more accurate measure of a player’s offensive efficiency than traditional field goal percentage. Unlike basic field goal percentage, which only considers 2-point and 3-point attempts, the NBA True Shooting Calculator incorporates all types of scoring attempts: 2-point field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws. This holistic approach gives a clearer picture of how efficiently a player converts their scoring opportunities into points.

Who should use the NBA True Shooting Calculator?

• Basketball Analysts and Scouts: To evaluate player performance beyond raw scoring totals and identify truly efficient scorers.
• Coaches: To understand which players are most efficient with their shot attempts and to inform offensive strategies.
• Players: To track their own efficiency and identify areas for improvement in shot selection.
• Fantasy Basketball Enthusiasts: To make more informed decisions when drafting or trading players.
• Casual Fans: To gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of offensive efficiency in the NBA.

Common Misconceptions about True Shooting Percentage:

• It’s just about scoring volume: While high-volume scorers can have good TS%, the metric emphasizes efficiency. A player scoring fewer points on fewer attempts but with high efficiency can have a better TS% than a high-volume, low-efficiency scorer.
• It’s the same as Field Goal Percentage (FG%): FG% only counts made field goals divided by attempted field goals. It doesn’t differentiate between 2-pointers and 3-pointers, nor does it include free throws. TS% is a much broader and more accurate measure of scoring efficiency.
• It’s the same as Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): While eFG% is an improvement over FG% by giving 3-pointers 1.5x credit, it still doesn’t account for free throws. The NBA True Shooting Calculator provides both for a complete view.

NBA True Shooting Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The NBA True Shooting Percentage is a powerful metric because it normalizes all scoring attempts into a single efficiency measure. Here’s a detailed look at its formula and the mathematical reasoning behind it.

The True Shooting Percentage (TS%) Formula:

TS% = PTS / (2 * (FGA + 0.44 * FTA))

Where:

• PTS: Total Points Scored
• FGA: Total Field Goal Attempts (2-pointers + 3-pointers)
• FTA: Total Free Throw Attempts

Step-by-Step Derivation and Variable Explanations:

1. Numerator (PTS): This is straightforward – the total number of points a player has scored.
2. Denominator (2 * (FGA + 0.44 * FTA)): This is the “true shot attempts” or “scoring possessions” component.
   • FGA: Each field goal attempt (whether a 2-pointer or 3-pointer) is counted as one attempt.
   • 0.44 * FTA: This is the crucial adjustment for free throws. The factor of 0.44 is used to approximate how many field goal attempts are “worth” the same as a free throw attempt. Historically, it’s been observed that roughly 0.44 field goal attempts lead to one free throw attempt. This normalization ensures that free throws are included in the “attempts” denominator in a way that makes them comparable to field goal attempts. Essentially, it converts free throw attempts into an equivalent number of field goal attempts.
   • Multiplying by 2: The entire denominator `(FGA + 0.44 * FTA)` is multiplied by 2. This is because the average value of a field goal attempt is approximately 1 point (considering both 2-pointers and 3-pointers, and misses). Since the numerator is in points, the denominator needs to be in “points worth of attempts” to yield a percentage. If an average field goal attempt is worth 1 point, then 2 “attempts” in the denominator would represent 2 points. This scaling factor makes the TS% a true percentage of points scored per two “true shot attempts.”

The NBA True Shooting Calculator provides a robust measure of offensive efficiency by considering all scoring avenues and normalizing them appropriately.

NBA True Shooting Calculator Variables

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range (Season)
PTS	Total Points Scored	Points	0 – 2500+
FGA	Total Field Goal Attempts	Attempts	0 – 2000+
FTA	Total Free Throw Attempts	Attempts	0 – 600+
FGM	Total Field Goals Made	Makes	0 – 1000+
3PM	Total Three-Pointers Made	Makes	0 – 400+
TS%	True Shooting Percentage	%	45% – 70%
eFG%	Effective Field Goal Percentage	%	40% – 65%

Practical Examples of NBA True Shooting Calculator Use

Let’s look at a couple of real-world examples to illustrate how the NBA True Shooting Calculator works and what the results mean for player evaluation.

Example 1: A High-Volume, Efficient Scorer (e.g., a Star Player)

Consider a hypothetical star player’s season statistics:

• PTS: 2200
• FGA: 1500
• FTA: 500
• FGM: 800
• 3PM: 200

Calculations:

• Adjusted FTA = 0.44 * 500 = 220
• True Shot Attempts = 2 * (1500 + 220) = 2 * 1720 = 3440
• TS% = (2200 / 3440) * 100 = 63.95%
• eFG% = ((800 + 0.5 * 200) / 1500) * 100 = ((800 + 100) / 1500) * 100 = (900 / 1500) * 100 = 60.00%

Interpretation: A TS% of nearly 64% is excellent, indicating elite offensive efficiency. This player is not only scoring a lot of points but doing so very effectively across all scoring types. Their eFG% of 60% is also very strong, showing their ability to convert field goals, especially with the added value of three-pointers.

Example 2: A Role Player with High Free Throw Rate

Consider a hypothetical role player who frequently gets to the free-throw line:

• PTS: 800
• FGA: 500
• FTA: 300
• FGM: 250
• 3PM: 50

Calculations:

• Adjusted FTA = 0.44 * 300 = 132
• True Shot Attempts = 2 * (500 + 132) = 2 * 632 = 1264
• TS% = (800 / 1264) * 100 = 63.29%
• eFG% = ((250 + 0.5 * 50) / 500) * 100 = ((250 + 25) / 500) * 100 = (275 / 500) * 100 = 55.00%

Interpretation: This player has a very high TS% (over 63%), which is remarkable for a role player. This indicates that even though their field goal attempts might be lower, their ability to draw fouls and convert free throws significantly boosts their overall scoring efficiency. Their eFG% is solid but lower than their TS%, highlighting the impact of their free throw shooting on their overall efficiency. This player is a valuable offensive asset due to their ability to generate points efficiently, especially from the free-throw line.

How to Use This NBA True Shooting Calculator

Our NBA True Shooting Calculator is designed for ease of use, providing instant insights into player offensive efficiency. Follow these simple steps to get your results:

1. Enter Total Points (PTS): Input the total number of points the player has scored. This is the primary output of their offensive efforts.
2. Enter Field Goal Attempts (FGA): Provide the total number of field goal attempts, including both 2-pointers and 3-pointers.
3. Enter Free Throw Attempts (FTA): Input the total number of free throw attempts.
4. Enter Field Goals Made (FGM): Enter the total number of field goals successfully converted.
5. Enter Three-Pointers Made (3PM): Specify the total number of three-point field goals made.
6. View Results: As you type, the calculator will automatically update the “True Shooting Percentage (TS%)” and “Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)” in real-time.
7. Review Intermediate Values: Below the main results, you’ll find “Adjusted Free Throw Attempts” and “True Shot Attempts,” which are key components of the TS% formula.
8. Use the Chart and Table: The dynamic chart visually compares TS% and eFG%, while the example table provides context with real NBA player stats.
9. Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear all inputs and start fresh, or the “Copy Results” button to easily share your findings.

How to Read Results and Decision-Making Guidance:

• True Shooting Percentage (TS%): This is your primary metric for overall offensive efficiency. A higher TS% indicates a more efficient scorer. Elite NBA scorers often have a TS% above 60%.
• Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): This metric focuses solely on field goal efficiency, giving extra credit for 3-pointers. Compare it with TS% to understand the impact of free throws on a player’s overall efficiency. If TS% is significantly higher than eFG%, the player is likely a good free-throw shooter or gets to the line often.
• Comparing Players: Use the NBA True Shooting Calculator to compare players across different positions or roles. It helps identify players who might not score the most points but do so with exceptional efficiency.
• Evaluating Shot Selection: A low TS% despite high scoring volume might suggest poor shot selection or an inability to draw fouls. Conversely, a high TS% indicates smart shot choices and/or strong free-throw shooting.

Key Factors That Affect NBA True Shooting Results

Several factors influence a player’s NBA True Shooting Percentage. Understanding these can help in a more nuanced analysis of player performance and offensive strategy.

• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): This is the most direct factor. Higher FG% (both 2-pointers and 3-pointers) naturally leads to a higher TS%. The ability to consistently make shots from the field is fundamental.
• Three-Point Percentage (3P%): Since 3-pointers are worth 1.5 times a 2-pointer in terms of points per attempt (when made), a high 3P% significantly boosts both eFG% and TS%. Players who shoot a high volume of 3s at a good percentage will see a substantial increase in their efficiency metrics.
• Free Throw Rate (FTA / FGA): The frequency with which a player gets to the free-throw line is critical. Players who draw a lot of fouls and convert their free throws efficiently will have a higher TS% because free throws are high-efficiency shots. This is why the 0.44 factor for FTA is so important in the NBA True Shooting Calculator.
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%): Once at the line, converting free throws is essential. A player with a high free throw rate but a low FT% will not see as much benefit to their TS% as one who converts them consistently.
• Shot Selection: Smart shot selection plays a huge role. Taking high-percentage shots (e.g., layups, dunks, open 3-pointers) and avoiding contested mid-range jumpers or difficult shots late in the shot clock will improve efficiency.
• Offensive Role and Usage: A player’s role on the team can affect their TS%. Primary ball-handlers and high-usage players might have slightly lower TS% due to taking more difficult shots, while efficient role players who take fewer, higher-quality shots might have surprisingly high TS%.
• Opponent Defense: The quality and scheme of the opposing defense can significantly impact a player’s ability to get good shots and draw fouls, thereby affecting their TS%.
• Pace of Play: While not directly affecting the percentage itself, a faster pace can lead to more opportunities, and if a player maintains efficiency, it can lead to higher overall point totals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NBA True Shooting Percentage

What is considered a good NBA True Shooting Percentage?

Generally, a TS% above 58% is considered very good for an NBA player. Elite scorers and highly efficient players often achieve 60% or higher. The league average typically hovers around 55-56%.

How is True Shooting Percentage different from Field Goal Percentage (FG%)?

FG% only counts made field goals (2s and 3s) divided by total field goal attempts. It doesn’t account for the extra value of 3-pointers or the points scored from free throws. TS% is a more comprehensive metric that includes all scoring types and weights them appropriately.

Why is 0.44 used for Free Throw Attempts (FTA) in the formula?

The 0.44 factor is an empirical constant derived from historical NBA data. It represents the approximate ratio of field goal attempts to free throw attempts that result in a scoring opportunity. It normalizes free throw attempts to be comparable to field goal attempts in the denominator of the formula.

Can a player’s True Shooting Percentage be over 100%?

Theoretically, yes, but it’s extremely rare and practically impossible over a significant sample size like a full season. It would require a player to score an extraordinary number of points relative to their “true shot attempts.” For instance, if a player only took free throws and made them all, their TS% could be very high. In real NBA game scenarios, TS% typically ranges from 45% to 70%.

Is True Shooting Percentage the best efficiency metric in basketball?

TS% is widely regarded as one of the best single metrics for offensive scoring efficiency because it accounts for all scoring types. However, no single stat tells the whole story. It doesn’t account for turnovers, assists, offensive rebounds, or defensive contributions. It’s best used in conjunction with other advanced stats like NBA Player Efficiency Rating Calculator or Offensive Efficiency Explained for a complete picture.

Does the NBA True Shooting Calculator account for turnovers?

No, the NBA True Shooting Calculator focuses solely on scoring efficiency and does not factor in turnovers. Turnovers are a separate aspect of offensive performance that would be captured by other metrics like Offensive Rating.

How does True Shooting Percentage relate to Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)?

eFG% is a component of overall shooting efficiency that gives 1.5x credit for 3-pointers but does not include free throws. TS% builds upon eFG% by adding free throws into the equation, providing a more complete measure of a player’s scoring efficiency across all types of attempts.

Can I use this NBA True Shooting Calculator for college or high school basketball stats?

Yes, you can use the NBA True Shooting Calculator for college or high school stats. The formula remains the same. However, keep in mind that the “average” TS% might differ slightly due to different rules (e.g., college 3-point line, fewer free throws) and player skill levels. The 0.44 constant is derived from NBA data, but it’s a reasonable approximation for other levels of play as well.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• NBA Player Efficiency Rating Calculator: Calculate a player’s overall per-minute production, adjusted for pace.
• Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator: Focus specifically on field goal efficiency, giving extra weight to three-pointers.
• Basketball Analytics Guide: A comprehensive guide to understanding various advanced basketball statistics.
• Player Stats Comparison Tool: Compare multiple players across various traditional and advanced statistics.
• Offensive Efficiency Explained: Dive deeper into how offensive efficiency is measured and interpreted in basketball.
• NBA Advanced Stats Glossary: An alphabetical list and explanation of common advanced NBA statistics.