Calculate field goal percentage or solve backward for the whole-shot total needed to reach a target.
How the Field Goal Percentage Calculator Works
Field goal percentage measures made field goals as a share of all field-goal attempts. The inverse modes turn a target percentage into an actionable whole number of makes or the largest attempt total supported by a known make count.
Formula: FG% = FGM / FGA x 100; makes needed = ceiling(attempts x target / 100)
Choosing the Right Inputs
Use one consistent sample, such as a game, tournament, or season. Include both two-point and three-point field goals, but do not include free throws. Makes cannot exceed attempts.
| Makes | Attempts | FG% | Misses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 10 | 50.0% | 5 |
| 9 | 20 | 45.0% | 11 |
| 18 | 40 | 45.0% | 22 |
| 41 | 90 | 45.6% | 49 |
Understanding Your Results
The requested answer appears first, followed by the resulting percentage, makes, misses, attempts, and the percentage after the next make or miss. Target modes use whole-shot rounding so the recommendation can be applied directly.
Worked Example
A player making 18 of 40 field goals has a 45.0% FG rate and 22 misses. To reach 50% in a fixed 40-attempt sample, the player needs 20 makes.
Assumptions and Limitations
FG% treats every made field goal equally even though three-pointers create more points. It also does not account for free throws, turnovers, role, shot difficulty, or game context.
Sources
NBA. Stats Glossary.