What is Field Goal Percentage (FG%)? - Basketball Stats Explained
Field Goal Percentage (FG%) is a basic basketball metric that indicates a player's shooting efficiency. It's the percentage of field goal attempts that result in made baskets. Coaches and analysts use FG% to evaluate how effectively a player or team converts shooting opportunities. Understanding FG% is crucial for both players and coaches aiming to improve their game.
This calculator computes FG% from two simple inputs: Field Goals Made and Field Goals Attempted. Results update automatically as you change the inputs, making it an effective tool for quick assessments.
FG% is valuable not just for individual players but also for analyzing overall team performance. For instance, a high team FG% indicates effective shooting strategy and teamwork, which can lead to better game outcomes.
How FG% is Calculated - Basketball Stats Metrics Simplified
The formula is straightforward: take the number of field goals made, divide by the number of field goals attempted, and multiply by 100 to get a percentage. This simple calculation provides insights into shooting efficiency that can profoundly impact game strategies.
FG% = (Field Goals Made / Field Goals Attempted) × 100The calculator validates inputs to ensure that values are non-negative, the number of attempts is greater than zero, and made shots do not exceed attempted shots. These checks ensure reliability in the calculations you perform.
Examples of FG% in Basketball Stats
Example 1: A player made 300 out of 600 attempts.
FG% = (300 / 600) × 100 = 50.00%
Example 2: A player made 45 out of 110 attempts.
FG% = (45 / 110) × 100 ≈ 40.91%
These examples underscore the significance of FG% as a key metric in the evaluation of player performances in basketball stats calculations.
FAQ about Basketball Stats and FG%
Q: Can FG% be greater than 100%?
A: No. FG% cannot exceed 100%. If your inputs produce an invalid result, check that Field Goals Made is not greater than Field Goals Attempted.
Q: What counts as a field goal?
A: A field goal is any basket scored during play, including two-point and three-point shots. Free throws are not included in FG% calculations.
Q: How can I use this for team stats?
A: Enter the team's total field goals made and attempted across games or a season to get the team's FG% for that span.
Q: Why is FG% important for basketball stats?
A: FG% is critical for assessing a player's scoring ability, which in turn influences game strategies. Coaches often rely on this metric to make real-time decisions during games.
Tips for Coaches Leveraging Basketball Stats
- Compare FG% across different players and lineups to identify efficient scorers.
- Track FG% over time to monitor improvement or identify shooting slumps.
- Combine FG% with other stats (3P%, FT%, eFG%) for a fuller picture of offensive efficiency.
- Utilize FG% to benchmark against league averages and set performance goals for players.
- Encourage players to focus on high-percentage shots to enhance overall team FG%.