How this calculator works
True shooting percentage estimates how efficiently a player converts shooting chances into points. The denominator counts every two field goal attempts as one scoring chance and weights free throws at 0.44 of an attempt. The 0.44 factor reflects that many free throws come in pairs or as and-one attempts, so ten free throws are not ten full possessions. Points are in the numerator, and the factor 2 converts the result into a percentage of the two points that a full shooting chance can produce. It still ignores turnovers, offensive rebounds and the value of creating shots for others.
Formula
TS% = points / (2 x (field goal attempts + 0.44 x free throw attempts)). Rearranged: points = TS% x 2 x (FGA + 0.44 x FTA); FGA = points / (2 x TS%) - 0.44 x FTA; FTA = (points / (2 x TS%) - FGA) / 0.44.
Worked example
A player scores 25 points on 15 field goal attempts and 6 free throw attempts. The denominator is 2 x (15 + 2.64) = 35.28, so TS% = 25 / 35.28 = 0.7086, or 70.86 percent. Ten points on 8 attempts and no free throws gives 10 / 16 = 0.625.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is the free throw weight 0.44?
It is an empirical estimate of the share of a possession that a free throw uses. Two free throws after a shooting foul are one possession, and an and-one adds a free throw to an existing possession, so 0.44 approximates the average cost.
Is a higher TS% always better?
For scoring efficiency, yes, but a player can have a high TS% on very few attempts. Volume matters: a 65 percent TS% on high usage is far more valuable than the same rate on a handful of shots.
Does TS% include three-point shooting?
Yes, through points and attempts. A three-pointer adds 3 to the numerator while using one field goal attempt in the denominator, so it is rewarded more than a two-pointer.