True Shooting Calculator

Measure advanced scoring efficiency using the standard NBA True Shooting Calculator formula.

Calculated True Shooting Percentage

Formula: PTS / (2 * (FGA + (0.44 * FTA)))

Metric	Value	Significance
True Shooting Attempts (TSA)	17.64	A precise measure of scoring possessions consumed.
TS Percentage	60.0%	The ultimate metric for scoring efficiency.
League Relative	+3.0%	How this score compares to current league average (approx 57%).

What is a True Shooting Calculator?

The True Shooting Calculator is an advanced tool used by basketball analysts, coaches, and fans to determine a player’s real scoring efficiency. Unlike basic field goal percentage, which ignores free throws and treats three-pointers the same as two-pointers, the True Shooting Calculator accounts for all scoring methods. By using a True Shooting Calculator, you gain a more accurate picture of how effectively a player turns their possessions into points.

Using a True Shooting Calculator is essential in the modern era because of the high volume of three-point shooting and the strategic importance of getting to the free-throw line. A player might have a low field goal percentage but still be highly efficient if they make many threes and free throws—a nuance only captured by a professional True Shooting Calculator.

True Shooting Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The True Shooting Calculator uses a specific coefficient (0.44) to estimate the number of possessions used during free throw attempts. This accounts for “and-ones,” technical free throws, and three-shot fouls.

The Mathematical Formula:

TS% = PTS / (2 * (FGA + (0.44 * FTA))) * 100

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
PTS	Points Scored	Integer	0 – 100+
FGA	Field Goal Attempts	Integer	0 – 40+
FTA	Free Throw Attempts	Integer	0 – 25+
0.44	FT Possession Constant	Coefficient	Fixed

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: The Efficient Guard
A guard scores 30 points on 15 field goal attempts (FGA) and 10 free throw attempts (FTA). Using the True Shooting Calculator, we first find the True Shooting Attempts: 15 + (0.44 * 10) = 19.4 TSA. Then, 30 / (2 * 19.4) = 77.3%. This indicates historic efficiency.

Example 2: The Volume Scorer
A forward scores 28 points but takes 25 field goal attempts and 4 free throw attempts. Our True Shooting Calculator calculates: 25 + (0.44 * 4) = 26.76 TSA. The TS% is 28 / (2 * 26.76) = 52.3%, which is below average despite the high point total.

How to Use This True Shooting Calculator

1. Enter the Total Points (PTS) the player scored during the game or season.
2. Input the Field Goal Attempts (FGA), including all missed and made 2pt and 3pt shots.
3. Enter the Free Throw Attempts (FTA) recorded.
4. The True Shooting Calculator will automatically update the result in real-time.
5. Observe the chart to see if the efficiency is “Elite” (60%+), “Average” (55-57%), or “Below Average” (under 53%).

Key Factors That Affect True Shooting Calculator Results

Several variables impact the final output of the True Shooting Calculator:

• Three-Point Volume: Since 3-pointers provide 50% more value than 2-pointers, taking and making them significantly boosts the True Shooting Calculator result.
• Free Throw Accuracy: Converting at the line is the easiest way to improve efficiency metrics within the True Shooting Calculator.
• Shot Selection: Mid-range jumpers typically yield lower True Shooting Calculator values compared to layups or corner threes.
• Foul Drawing Ability: High-gravity players who get to the line frequently will often see a spike in their True Shooting Calculator percentage.
• And-One Frequency: Converting a free throw after a made bucket is “free” points that do not add a TSA, aiding the True Shooting Calculator score.
• League Context: In the modern era, the average True Shooting Calculator result is much higher than it was in the 1990s due to the three-point revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the True Shooting Calculator use 0.44?

The 0.44 is a league-wide average that accounts for the fact that not every free throw attempt represents a full possession (e.g., and-ones, technicals, or 3-shot fouls).

Is TS% better than eFG%?

Yes, because the True Shooting Calculator includes free throws, whereas eFG% only measures field goals. TS% is the comprehensive efficiency metric.

What is a good score in the True Shooting Calculator?

In the modern NBA, a 60% TS% is considered elite, 57% is league average, and anything below 53% is considered poor efficiency.

Can a True Shooting Calculator result exceed 100%?

Theoretically, yes. If a player scores more points than 2 times their TSA (e.g., hitting a 3-pointer on a single possession with no other attempts), the True Shooting Calculator will show a result over 100%.

How are 3-pointers weighted in the True Shooting Calculator?

They aren’t “weighted” specifically in the formula, but because they contribute 3 points to the numerator (PTS) while only counting as 1 FGA in the denominator, they naturally boost the result.

Does the True Shooting Calculator apply to college basketball?

Yes, though some analysts adjust the 0.44 coefficient slightly for college ball, the standard True Shooting Calculator formula remains the primary tool for all levels.

Does TS% account for turnovers?

No. To account for turnovers, you would need to use “Points Per Possession,” but the True Shooting Calculator focuses strictly on shooting efficiency.

Is TS% useful for centers?

Absolutely. Centers often have high True Shooting Calculator scores because they take high-percentage shots at the rim and frequently get to the free-throw line.