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

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good Player Efficiency Rating (PER)?

A PER of 15.0 is considered league average. Ratings above 20.0 indicate All-Star level performance, while ratings above 25.0 are considered MVP caliber. The highest single-season PER ever recorded was 32.12 by Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2019-20. For context, most NBA starters have a PER between 15.0 and 20.0, while role players typically fall between 10.0 and 15.0.

How is Usage Rate different from PER?

While PER measures efficiency and productivity, Usage Rate shows what percentage of team plays a player uses while on the floor. A high Usage Rate (>25%) means a player frequently ends possessions through shots, free throws, or turnovers. However, a high Usage Rate doesn't necessarily mean high efficiency - a player can have a high Usage Rate but low PER, indicating they use many possessions but don't convert them efficiently.

What is True Shooting Percentage and why is it important?

True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is a measure of shooting efficiency that takes into account field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws. It's considered more comprehensive than traditional field goal percentage because it accounts for the added value of three-pointers and free throws. The league average TS% is typically around 58%. Elite shooters often maintain a TS% above 60%, while anything above 65% is exceptional, usually achieved by efficient big men who take high-percentage shots near the basket.

Learn More

PER Explanation NBA Statistics PER History