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Statistics formula

How to calculate effective field goal percentage

Effective field goal percentage adjusts normal field goal percentage so made three-pointers get extra credit.

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Direct answer
Formula
eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 * 3PM) / FGA * 100

Use the table below to match each symbol with the right input. Keep units consistent before you start.

Effective field goal percentage formula
Start here when you only need the equation and variable names.
Formula
eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 * 3PM) / FGA * 100

Effective field goal percentage adjusts normal field goal percentage so made three-pointers get extra credit.

Variable meanings
Check each symbol, meaning, and unit before you calculate.
SymbolNameDescriptionUnit
FGMField goals madeTotal two-point and three-point shots made.Depends on inputs
3PMThree-pointers madeMade field goals worth three points.Depends on inputs
FGAField goal attemptsTotal attempted field goals.Depends on inputs
When to use this formula
Check that your situation matches the formula before you trust the result.
  • Use eFG% when comparing shooting efficiency from the field for players, lineups, or teams with different three-point volume.
Step-by-step method
Follow these steps when you are solving it by hand.
  1. 1Add field goals made and half of made three-pointers.
  2. 2Divide the adjusted makes by field goal attempts.
  3. 3Multiply by 100 to convert the result to a percentage.
  4. 4Compare samples with similar roles or shot profiles when possible.
Examples
These sample numbers show the order of operations and units.
Player shooting line
FGM
9
3PM
4
FGA
18
  1. 1.eFG% = (9 + 0.5 * 4) / 18 * 100
  2. 2.eFG% = 11 / 18 * 100
  3. 3.eFG% = 61.1%
Result
The shooting line has a 61.1% effective field goal percentage.
Team game
FGM
42
3PM
14
FGA
90
  1. 1.eFG% = (42 + 0.5 * 14) / 90 * 100
  2. 2.eFG% = 49 / 90 * 100
  3. 3.eFG% = 54.4%
Result
The team eFG% is 54.4%.
Mistakes to avoid
Small input or unit errors can change the answer a lot.
  • Adding all three-point attempts instead of only three-pointers made.
  • Forgetting that total field goals made already includes made threes.
  • Using field goal percentage when three-point volume differs a lot between players.
  • Drawing strong conclusions from a very small number of attempts.
Open the Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator
Open the calculator for the answer without rewriting the formula.

Enter your values in the related calculator, then compare the output with the hand method above.

Open Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator
FAQs
Short answers for common formula questions.
Can I calculate Effective field goal percentage by hand?

Yes. Write the units next to each value, convert rates or measurements first, and round only the final answer.

Why does my Effective field goal percentage result differ from another calculator?

Most differences come from rounding, unit conversions, rate timing, or a slightly different version of the formula.

When is the Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator better than hand math?

Open the Effective Field Goal Percentage Calculator to check several scenarios or skip the hand arithmetic.