NBA Stats Glossary

Effective Field Goal Percentage

Also: eFG%

Field goal percentage adjusted for the extra value of 3-point makes.

Definition

Effective field goal percentage corrects a flaw in standard FG% by giving 3-pointers 50% more weight. It treats a made 3 as worth 1.5 made 2s in the formula, which more accurately reflects scoring efficiency.

Formula

eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA

Example

A player who shoots 45% from 2 and 40% from 3 with equal volume has an eFG% of about 52%, higher than their raw FG% of 42.5%.

Why it matters for research

eFG% is the cleanest way to compare shooting efficiency across players with different shot profiles (bigs vs perimeter shooters).

Related terms

True Shooting Percentage

A shooting efficiency metric that weights 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free throws into a single percentage.

Usage Rate

The percentage of team plays that end with a given player's shot, turnover, or free throw attempt while they're on the floor.

Apply Effective Field Goal Percentage in research

Ask any NBA question using this metric. The assistant pulls the actual numbers and explains what they mean for tonight's lines.

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