TS Calculator (True Shooting Percentage)

TS Calculator guide

Table of Content

• What is True Shooting Percentage
• Formula for TS%
• Examples of TS%
• Why TS% Matters
• NBA Leaders by TS%
• Detailed Table: TS% Calculation Steps
• FAQ: TS Calculator

What is True Shooting Percentage

In basketball, True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is a metric designed to gauge how effectively a player scores points while accounting for all major methods of scoring: field goals, three-pointers, and free throws. TS% was developed by basketball analysts looking for a more comprehensive way to measure a player’s efficiency beyond just field goal or free throw stats. By combining different types of shots into a single number, coaches and fans gain an unbiased look at a player's overall scoring capability, no matter what position they play or what kind of shot volume they take. Many players might put up strong points per game, but TS% helps to indicate whether those points are coming from efficient shot selections or high usage with low conversion rates. This approach levels the field, making it easier to compare players from different eras or teams, as all are assessed using the same efficiency criteria. Advanced statistics like true shooting percentage have become widespread in both professional and amateur basketball leagues, as they help scouts and analysts identify hidden value among players who may be underappreciated based on traditional stat lines. Ultimately, TS% highlights the value of every scored point relative to opportunities and brings context to performances that can't be captured by raw field goal numbers alone.

The need for improved metrics in basketball led to the rise of TS%, which takes into account all the ways points are scored. It's common for spectators and even analysts to focus on points per game, but without understanding the efficiency behind those points, it’s tough to assess true value. For example, one player might get 28 points through a barrage of missed shots and free throws, while another might quietly notch up 19 points using far fewer shot attempts. TS% allows teams to uncover such differences by combining the main types of scoring opportunities into an efficient baseline. By using this metric, coaches and front offices can spot overlooked contributors whose value may not be immediately apparent on the stat sheet. Over time, teams that incorporate TS% into their analysis tend to make smarter decisions in terms of roster construction, playing time, and player development. This is why TS% has become a core part of modern basketball analytics and why it continues to grow in relevance as the sport evolves.

A key reason TS% matters so much is because it encourages smart shot selection. Players with higher TS% tend to know their strengths, avoid forced contested shots, and excel at drawing fouls to boost their efficiency with free throws. In contrast, players with lower TS% can be well-known scorers who actually harm their team’s performance due to poor accuracy or decision-making. By looking at TS%, it's easier to distinguish between pure volume shooters and truly effective offensive threats. It’s also become a favored statistic for broadcasters and analysts, who often reference TS% for context during live games or debates about league leaders. The stat’s adoption even extends to recreational leagues and youth basketball, helping young athletes focus on quality over quantity while developing their skills.

One of the main reasons for TS%’s popularity among statisticians is its universality. Because the calculation uses simple input data—points scored, field goal attempts, and free throw attempts—it’s possible to measure players across the globe and across different playing styles. This unifying element has made international comparisons much more meaningful, whether for major stars in the NBA or promising prospects in overseas leagues. Additionally, using a true shooting metric closes the loophole where players who “pad” their point totals with free throws or easy baskets now have to address efficiency over raw output. TS% brings all types of scorers onto the same playing field, ensuring that efficiency is recognized and rewarded regardless of position or playing style.

Formula for TS%

The core of any TS calculator lies in its formula. True Shooting Percentage is calculated using the formula:

TS% = Points / (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA))

Here, “Points” refers to the total points a player scores, “FGA” is the count of Field Goal Attempts (including both 2- and 3-point shots), and “FTA” covers all Free Throw Attempts. The value 0.44 is used to approximate how many free throws account for a single possession, since not all free throw attempts result from single-shot fouls. With this simple formula, it’s possible to quickly determine just how effective a player is when all shot types are considered. The equation offers both fans and coaching staff a way to put individual games, seasons, or even entire careers into perspective through a single efficiency measure. This focus on efficiency, rather than just volume, can shift the narrative around a player’s abilities and impact on the game.

Built around the idea that not all shooting opportunities are created equal, the TS% calculation weighs shot selection and free throw efficiency together. Field goals, whether two- or three-point attempts, and free throws are all key, and their combination in the formula reflects the variety of ways a player can contribute to the scoreboard. Because of this, TS% can sometimes look very different from a player's Field Goal Percentage or even their Effective Field Goal Percentage, which only adjusts for the added value of three-point shots. For instance, a player who draws a lot of shooting fouls and converts free throws at a high clip will often have a significantly higher TS% than their other shooting stats indicate.

Breaking down the formula step-by-step helps demystify what can seem like an advanced stat. First, calculate the denominator by adding up all field goal attempts to 0.44 times the free throw attempts. Next, multiply that sum by two, since each standard shot is worth two points. The numerator—total points—includes points from all made shots, whether from the field or the line. By dividing points by adjusted attempts, the resulting ratio showcases a player's overall ability to maximize scoring from available opportunities. This logical construction is what separates TS% from other one-dimensional statistics.

Over the years, the TS% formula has occasionally been debated, especially the use of the 0.44 multiplier on free throws, but it's remained standard thanks to its accurate reflection of possessions and opportunities. While some analysts have proposed slight tweaks or alternatives, TS% stands as a tried-and-true metric for player and team comparisons. As basketball continues to change—with new trends in shot selection and game pace—the fundamental strengths of the TS% calculation make it likely to remain a cornerstone statistic for years to come. Its simplicity and effectiveness ensure that even those new to analytics can rapidly grasp and use this valuable efficiency gauge.

Detailed Table: TS% Calculation Steps

Step	Description	Common Values	Pro Tip	Impact on TS%	What to Watch	Notes
1	Total Points	e.g. 1,000	Include all scoring methods	Direct effect	Missed shots lower this	Each basket counts
2	Field Goal Attempts (FGA)	e.g. 650	Separate from makes	More attempts lower TS% if not efficient	Tallied each shot	Doesn’t include free throws
3	Free Throw Attempts (FTA)	e.g. 250	All FT attempts, not just makes	High FT count boosts TS%	Fouls drawn matter	Include technicals
4	Calculate TSA	TSA = FGA + 0.44 × FTA	Do this before TS%	Accurate TSA is critical	Multipliers matter	Approximate possession
5	Plug into Formula	TS% = Points/(2 × TSA)	Follow order of operations	Precision matters	Don’t forget parentheses	Calculator recommended
6	Result Interpretation	0.500 = 50%	Higher is better	Helps ranking players	Compare to league avg	Context essential
7	Season or Game Split	Single game or total season	Split analysis for insights	Beware small sample size	Larger sample more reliable	Trends over time

Examples of TS%

Example 1: Imagine a player has scored 1,295 points in a season, with 850 field goal attempts and 420 free throw attempts. First, calculate True Shooting Attempts (TSA): 850 + (0.44 × 420) = 850 + 184.8 = 1,034.8. Then, TS% = 1,295 / (2 × 1,034.8) = 1,295 / 2,069.6 ≈ 0.6257, or 62.57%. That figure demonstrates elite efficiency for a high-volume shooter.[web:2]

Example 2: Suppose another athlete tallied 1,000 points, shot 650 times from the field, and attempted 250 free throws. TSA: 650 + (0.44 × 250) = 650 + 110 = 760. TS%: 1,000 / (2 × 760) = 1,000 / 1,520 ≈ 0.6578, or 65.78%. This player might not be as prolific in raw points but makes up for it in shooting accuracy.[web:5]

Example 3: A player scores 1,851 points on 1,205 field goal attempts and 665 free throw attempts. TSA: 1,205 + (0.44 × 665) = 1,205 + 292.6 = 1,497.6. TS%: 1,851 / (2 × 1,497.6) ≈ 1,851 / 2,995.2 ≈ 0.618, or 61.8%. This shows that even with high attempts, efficiency can stay strong if both field and free throws are effective. [web:3]

Example 4: Consider a bench player with 410 points, 305 field goal attempts, and 90 free throw attempts. TSA: 305 + (0.44 × 90) = 305 + 39.6 = 344.6. TS%: 410 / (2 × 344.6) = 410 / 689.2 ≈ 0.5952, or 59.52%. For backup roles, maintaining above 55% can be seen as efficient contribution.

Example 5: For a youth player who has 210 points, 125 field goal attempts, and 32 free throw attempts, TSA: 125 + (0.44 × 32) = 125 + 14.08 = 139.08. TS%: 210 / (2 × 139.08) ≈ 210 / 278.16 ≈ 0.755, or 75.5%. Sometimes players excel at lower levels due to limited defensive resistance, showcasing how TS% can highlight exceptional efficiency at every level.

NBA Leaders by TS%

Rank	Player	TS% Value	Points Per Game	FGA (Season Avg)	FTA (Season Avg)	Efficiency Comment
1	Artis Gilmore	64.33%	18.8	10.3	6.2	Dominant inside scorer
2	DeAndre Jordan	63.67%	9.5	5.1	3.6	Dunks and put-backs
3	Cedric Maxwell	62.94%	13.7	8.2	6.9	Frequent free throws
4	Tyson Chandler	62.55%	9.2	5.9	3.2	High-percentage finishes
5	Stephen Curry	62.36%	24.5	16.9	5.2	Elite shot selection
6	Carl-Anthony Towns	61.92%	23.0	15.0	4.0	Versatile scoring
7	James Donaldson	61.77%	8.6	5.3	3.1	Efficient in the paint

Real-Situation TS% Data

Game	Points	FGA	FTA	Opponent Strength	Calculated TS%	Notes
Regular Season	$1,150	770	290	Average	66.2%	Consistent performer
Playoff	$815	510	120	Elite defense	60.0%	Held own under pressure
Rivalry	$920	615	180	Physical contest	58.7%	Strong in tough games
Career Average	$2,340	1,595	560	Mixed	62.1%	Above league avg
International	$1,010	690	210	Euroleague	61.7%	Adapted quickly
All-Star	$725	360	105	Exhibition	74.5%	Less defense, high efficiency
Rookie Season	$240	190	80	Learning curve	54.9%	Promising start

Why TS% Matters

Coaches and analysts often turn to TS% to judge whether a player is genuinely helping the team’s scoring efficiency or simply putting up a high volume of shots. By focusing on this key metric, teams can identify the most efficient scorers, regardless of their position on the court. This leads to smarter decisions about lineup rotations, matchups, and even contract negotiations for future seasons. Players with high TS% are often rewarded with more playing time, as they usually contribute to team success in a sustainable way.

TS% has a unique ability to normalize different types of scoring, meaning guards and forwards can be measured on an even playing field. For instance, a post player who scores mostly close to the rim will probably have a high TS% due to high-percentage looks. In contrast, a guard who takes lots of contested jumpers from the perimeter might struggle to post similar efficiency unless they can draw fouls consistently or hit threes at an elite clip. This reveals the importance of shot selection and free throw ability in a player’s overall offensive package.

Another aspect of why TS% is vital is it provides context for historical comparisons. As basketball evolves and the pace and style of play changes, TS% offers a way to compare players from past eras with contemporary stars. While scoring averages may fluctuate over decades, shooting efficiency as measured by TS% remains a consistent barometer of a player's true impact. This is especially useful for debates about all-time greats or Hall of Fame cases.

TS% also pushes the conversation forward in terms of player development. Coaches working with young athletes can point to TS% to illustrate the value of not just shooting more, but shooting better. Encouraging high-percentage, smart shot selections not only helps a player's individual numbers but also translates to team success. Over time, emphasizing TS% can change a player’s habits for the better, insisting on quality opportunities over quantity.

FAQ: TS Calculator

• What is True Shooting Percentage and what does it show?
  True Shooting Percentage is an efficiency metric showing how well a basketball player turns shot attempts—including field goals and free throws—into points. It's vital for a fair assessment of overall scoring.
• How do you calculate TS% in practice?
  Add up a player’s total points. Calculate their TS attempts as FGA + 0.44×FTA. Plug these numbers into the formula: TS% = Points / (2 × TS attempts).
• Why is 0.44 used in the TS% formula for free throws?
  The value 0.44 approximates the average number of free throws taken per possession, accounting for and-one situations and technical fouls.
• Can TS% vary a lot between players or seasons?
  Yes. Differences in shot selection, ability to draw fouls, and changes in role can make TS% fluctuate from one season or player to the next.
• Is TS% only for professional basketball players?
  No. It’s used at every level, from youth leagues to the NBA, as a reliable way of measuring shooting efficiency for any player.
• How to calculate TS Calculator?
  To use a TS calculator, simply enter the total points scored, field goal attempts, and free throw attempts. The calculator uses the formula TS% = Points / (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA)) to provide the player’s true shooting percentage.