Player Efficiency Calculator

Analyze basketball performance metrics and ratings. Calculate PER, evaluate player statistics, and compare performance across seasons.

About Player Efficiency Calculator

Understanding Player Efficiency: The Evolution of Basketball Analytics

Player Efficiency Rating (PER) has revolutionized how we evaluate basketball talent, moving beyond basic box scores to provide a more complete picture of a player's contribution. Pioneered by ESPN's John Hollinger in the early 2000s, this comprehensive statistical metric measures a player's per-minute productivity by accounting for positive contributions (scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks) while also weighing negative actions (missed shots, turnovers, personal fouls).

The Science of Basketball Performance Metrics

PER = (Points × 0.7 + Rebounds × 0.3 + Assists × 0.7 + Steals + Blocks × 0.7 - Turnovers × 0.7) × (48/Minutes)
Usage Rate = (FGA + FTA × 0.44 + TOV) × (48/Minutes)
True Shooting % = (Points / (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA))) × 100

PER is normalized so the league average is always 15.0
Usage Rate indicates percentage of team plays used by a player
True Shooting considers all scoring attempts (2PT, 3PT, FT)

Understanding PER Parameters

Offensive Metrics

Points: Total points scored through field goals and free throws, heavily weighted in PER as scoring is a primary objective.
Field Goals Made/Attempted: Successful and total shot attempts from the field, indicating shooting efficiency.
Free Throws Made/Attempted: Successful and total free throw attempts, reflecting ability to draw fouls and convert opportunities.
Assists: Passes that directly lead to teammate scores, demonstrating playmaking ability and team contribution.

Defensive & Other Metrics

Rebounds: Securing possession after missed shots, both offensive and defensive rebounds contribute to overall effectiveness.
Steals: Successfully taking the ball from opponents, creating transition opportunities and disrupting opponent possessions.
Blocks: Deflecting opponent shot attempts, a key defensive metric that can lead to possession changes.
Turnovers: Losing possession to the opposing team, negatively impacts PER as it wastes offensive opportunities.
Minutes Played: Time spent on court, used to normalize statistics and calculate per-minute productivity.

Key Performance Indicators Explained

Player Efficiency Rating

Below Average: <10
Average: 10-14.9
Above Average: 15-19.9
All-Star Level: 20-24.9
MVP Level: ≥25

Usage Rate Tiers

Low Usage: <20%
Moderate: 20-25%
High: 25-30%
Very High: >30%

Historical Benchmarks

Player	Peak PER	Season
Giannis Antetokounmpo	32.12	2019-20
Wilt Chamberlain	31.82	1962-63
Michael Jordan	31.71	1987-88
LeBron James	31.67	2008-09
Nikola Jokic	31.28	2021-22
Stephen Curry	30.99	2015-16

Limitations and Context

Statistical Biases

Favors offensive production
May undervalue specialists
Team context dependent
Era and pace differences

Complementary Metrics

Win Shares
Box Plus/Minus
VORP
RAPTOR

Learn More

PER Explanation NBA Statistics PER History