Advanced True Shooting Calculator (TS%)

The ultimate tool for measuring a basketball player’s scoring efficiency.

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True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

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What is a True Shooting Calculator?

A true shooting calculator is a specialized tool used in basketball analytics to measure a player’s overall scoring efficiency. Unlike traditional metrics like Field Goal Percentage (FG%) or Free Throw Percentage (FT%), True Shooting Percentage (TS%) provides a comprehensive picture by incorporating 2-point field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws into a single, powerful statistic.

This metric is crucial for analysts, coaches, and fans who want to look beyond raw point totals and understand how effectively a player scores. A high TS% indicates that a player produces points efficiently with their given shot attempts. For example, a player who scores 25 points on 15 shots is more efficient than a player who scores 25 points on 22 shots, and TS% accurately reflects this difference.

The True Shooting Percentage Formula

The formula might seem complex, but it’s designed to properly weight each type of scoring attempt. The standard formula used by our true shooting calculator is:

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

This calculation determines the points scored per “true shooting attempt,” which is a composite value representing all scoring opportunities. The result is then expressed as a percentage.

Formula Variables Explained

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range (Per Game)
PTS	Total Points Scored	Points (unitless count)	0 – 60+
FGA	Field Goal Attempts	Attempts (unitless count)	0 – 30+
FTA	Free Throw Attempts	Attempts (unitless count)	0 – 20+
0.44	Free Throw Possession Multiplier	Constant (unitless ratio)	N/A

The 0.44 multiplier is a statistical constant used to approximate the number of scoring possessions used on trips to the free-throw line. Since not all free throws end a possession (e.g., and-ones, technicals, 2 of 3 attempts), this value provides a historically accurate weight.

Practical Examples

Example 1: The Efficient All-Around Scorer

• Inputs: 31 PTS, 19 FGA, 8 FTA
• Calculation: `31 / (2 * (19 + (0.44 * 8)))` = `31 / (2 * (19 + 3.52))` = `31 / 45.04` = 0.688
• Result: 68.8% TS%. This is an elite efficiency level, often seen from stars who mix 3-pointers, 2-pointers, and get to the free-throw line.

Example 2: The Volume Scorer

• Inputs: 31 PTS, 26 FGA, 3 FTA
• Calculation: `31 / (2 * (26 + (0.44 * 3)))` = `31 / (2 * (26 + 1.32))` = `31 / 54.64` = 0.567
• Result: 56.7% TS%. While this player scored the same number of points, they required many more shot attempts, resulting in a league-average efficiency.

These examples highlight how the true shooting calculator reveals the true efficiency behind the points.

How to Use This True Shooting Calculator

1. Enter Total Points (PTS): Input the total points the player scored in the first field.
2. Enter Field Goal Attempts (FGA): Input the total number of shots the player took from the field.
3. Enter Free Throw Attempts (FTA): Input the total number of free throws the player attempted.
4. (Optional) Enter Field Goals Made (FGM): To enable the comparison chart, enter the number of field goals the player made.
5. Review the Results: The calculator will instantly display the True Shooting Percentage (TS%) and a chart comparing it to the traditional Field Goal Percentage (FG%).

Key Factors That Affect True Shooting Percentage

A player’s TS% is influenced by several key on-court factors. Understanding them is vital for a complete analysis.

• Shot Selection: Players who take a higher proportion of 3-pointers will often have a higher TS% because of the shot’s higher point value.
• Finishing at the Rim: High-percentage shots like layups and dunks significantly boost efficiency.
• Free Throw Rate: The ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line is a major driver of TS%. Free throws are a very efficient way to score points.
• Free Throw Accuracy: While getting to the line is important, converting those attempts at a high rate is necessary to capitalize on the opportunity.
• Mid-Range Dependency: Players who rely heavily on mid-range jump shots often have lower TS% values, as these are statistically the least efficient shots in basketball.
• Transition Offense: Scoring on fast breaks before the defense is set typically leads to very high-efficiency scoring chances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a good True Shooting Percentage?

Generally, a TS% over 60% is considered elite, 57-59% is very good, and 54-56% is about league average. Anything below 50% is considered poor efficiency.

2. How is TS% different from Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)?

Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) adjusts for the added value of 3-pointers but does not include free throws. TS% is more comprehensive as it incorporates all scoring methods: 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free throws.

3. Why use 0.44 in the formula?

The 0.44 constant is a statistically derived approximation for the number of possessions a free throw trip uses. It accounts for scenarios like “and-ones,” technical free throws, and sets of 2 or 3 shots.

4. Can a player’s TS% be over 100%?

Yes, in single-game samples. For example, if a player makes a 3-point shot and is fouled, then makes the free throw (a 4-point play on one FGA), their TS% for that single possession would be extremely high, potentially leading to a game TS% over 100%.

5. Is TS% the best stat for measuring scoring?

It is widely considered the best single metric for scoring *efficiency*. However, it doesn’t capture everything, such as shot creation, volume, or clutch performance. It’s best used alongside other stats.

6. Who has the highest career TS%?

Historically, many of the players with the highest career TS% are centers who take high-percentage shots near the basket, but elite outside shooters like Stephen Curry also rank near the top.

7. Does this calculator work for different basketball leagues?

Yes, the formula for the true shooting calculator is universal and can be applied to any basketball game or league, from the NBA and WNBA to college and high school.

8. Why did my chart not appear?

The comparison chart requires an entry for “Field Goals Made (FGM)” to calculate the traditional Field Goal Percentage. Please enter a value in that field to see the chart.