How this calculator works
The NFL formula splits a passer into four components: completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdown percentage and interception percentage. Each component is scaled to a 0 to 2.375 range, added together and divided by six, then multiplied by 100. The caps mean a perfect game tops out at 158.3. The NCAA formula uses the same inputs in a single expression and a different scale, so an NCAA rating near 150 is strong even though an NFL rating near 150 is near the maximum.
Formula
A = clamp((completions / attempts - 0.3) x 5). B = clamp((yards / attempts - 3) x 0.25). C = clamp(touchdowns / attempts x 20). D = clamp(2.375 - interceptions / attempts x 25). NFL rating = (A + B + C + D) / 6 x 100. NCAA rating = (8.4 x yards + 330 x touchdowns - 200 x interceptions + 100 x completions) / attempts.
Worked example
With 30 attempts, 20 completions, 250 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception: A = (0.667 - 0.3) x 5 = 1.833, B = (8.333 - 3) x 0.25 = 1.333, C = 2/30 x 20 = 1.333 and D = 2.375 - 1/30 x 25 = 1.542. The NFL rating is 6.042 / 6 x 100 = 100.7. The NCAA rating is (2,100 + 660 - 200 + 2,000) / 30 = 152.0.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good passer rating?
In the NFL, 100 is excellent, 90 is strong and 80 is about average for a starting quarterback over a full season. The exact average moves with the era and the league.
Why is 158.3 the maximum?
Each of the four components is capped at 2.375. Four capped components sum to 9.5, and 9.5 / 6 x 100 = 158.33, which is displayed as 158.3.
Does the rating include sacks or rushing?
No. Sacks, scrambles, fumbles and rushing yards are not part of the passing formula. A quarterback who takes many sacks can look better in passer rating than in a broader efficiency measure.
Can I compare NFL and NCAA ratings directly?
No. They use different formulas and scales. Compare a passer within one system, or convert both to a common measure if you need a cross-system comparison.