Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)
Effective field goal percentage (eFG%) adjusts a player's field goal percentage to account for the fact that a three-pointer is worth more than a two. It gives proper credit to three-point shooting, so two players with the same raw field goal percentage are ranked correctly when one shoots more threes.
Also known as: effective field goal, adjusted field goal percentage.
Formula
eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 x 3PM) / FGA x 100
The 0.5 x three-pointers made term reflects that a made three is worth 50% more than a made two.
Worked example
A player who hits 8 of 16 shots with 4 threes has an eFG% of (8 + 0.5 x 4) / 16 x 100 = 62.5%, even though the raw field goal percentage is only 50%.
Benchmarks
| Tier | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Elite | 56%+ |
| Good | 52 - 56% |
| Average | 49 - 52% |
| Below average | under 49% |
Ranges are approximate and drawn from public league-average data; exact figures move season to season and vary by source. Use them as a read, not a hard cutoff.
How coaches and scouts use it
- Judge shot selection - a team taking efficient threes and layups will show a strong eFG% even if its raw field goal percentage looks ordinary.
- Use it as one of the four factors when breaking down why a team wins or loses possessions.
- Compare it on offense and defense: opponent eFG% tells you how well your defense limits efficient shots.
Common mistakes
- Preferring raw field goal percentage - it under-rates three-point shooters and over-rates two-point-only scorers.
- Forgetting that eFG% still leaves out free throws; true shooting percentage covers those.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is calculated automatically inside Scouting4U.
Analyze effective shooting and shot charts in Scouting4URelated metrics
True shooting percentage (TS%) explained: one number for scoring efficiency across twos, threes and free throws, with the formula and pro benchmarks.
Points per possession (PPP) explained: the formula, how to read it, elite vs average benchmarks, and how coaches use it to judge offense and defense.
Defensive rating (DRtg) explained: points allowed per 100 possessions, the formula, benchmarks, and why lower is better when scouting a defense.