Why Shot Efficiency Metrics Matter
Raw field goal percentage can be misleading. A player who takes many difficult shots may have a lower FG% than someone who only takes easy layups. Advanced metrics like eFG% and TS% give a much clearer picture of true scoring efficiency.
Quick Answer: Key Basketball Shot Efficiency Metrics
eFG% adjusts for three-pointers by counting made threes as 1.5 field goals. TS% includes free throws for a complete efficiency picture. League-average three-point shooting in the NBA is around 36-37%, with elite shooters reaching 40%+ on high volume.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)
eFG% is one of the most important modern basketball stats. It recognizes that a made three-pointer is worth 50% more than a made two-pointer.
Formula: eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) / FGA
A player shooting 40% from three will have a much higher eFG% than someone shooting 50% from two, even if their raw FG% looks similar.
True Shooting Percentage (TS%)
TS% is even more comprehensive because it factors in free throws. It gives the best single-number view of a player’s scoring efficiency.
Formula: TS% = PTS / [2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA)]
In recent NBA seasons, league-average TS% has hovered around 56-58%. Elite scorers often post 62%+.
Three-Point Shooting Percentages and Volume
Three-point shooting has transformed basketball. Teams now attempt significantly more threes than in previous decades.
- League average 3P% ≈ 36–37%
- Elite volume shooters: 39–42% on 6+ attempts per game
- Corner three-point percentage is typically higher than above-the-break threes
How to Interpret Shot Efficiency Metrics
| Metric | Good | Elite |
|---|---|---|
| eFG% | 55%+ | 60%+ |
| TS% | 57%+ | 62%+ |
| 3P% | 36%+ | 39%+ on volume |
Current NBA Benchmarks (2025–26 Season)
Three-point volume continues to rise. Top teams often attempt 35–40+ threes per game. Players who can shoot efficiently from deep while maintaining high usage rates are extremely valuable in today’s game.
FAQs – Basketball Shot Efficiency Metrics
What is the difference between FG% and eFG%?
eFG% gives extra credit for made three-pointers, making it a better measure of scoring efficiency.
Is TS% the best single efficiency metric?
Yes. It accounts for twos, threes, and free throws, providing the most complete view of shooting performance.
What is a good 3P% for a player?
36%+ is solid. 39%+ on significant volume (5+ attempts per game) is considered elite.
Why has three-point shooting become so important?
Threes are worth 50% more than twos while creating better spacing and driving opportunities for teammates.
Do these metrics apply only to the NBA?
The concepts apply to all levels of basketball, though percentages vary by competition level and age group.
Conclusion – Shot Efficiency in Modern Basketball
Understanding eFG%, TS%, and three-point shooting percentages gives you a much deeper appreciation of basketball performance than traditional box score stats. These metrics help separate lucky hot streaks from genuine skill and reveal which players and teams are truly efficient scorers.
As the game continues to evolve, the ability to shoot efficiently from three while maintaining overall scoring efficiency remains one of the most valuable skills in basketball.
Related Indoor Sports Resources
For more basketball and indoor sports analysis, visit our indoor sports category.
Data Sources & Notes
Metrics and benchmarks based on NBA advanced statistics and league-wide trends as of the 2025–26 season. Values can vary slightly by source and season.
For more indoor sports content, visit our indoor sports section.