True Shooting Percentage (TS%) Explained

Field goal percentage is a blunt tool: it counts a three the same as a layup and ignores free throws entirely. True shooting percentage fixes both, which is why analysts reach for it first.

The TS% formula

True shooting percentage is:

TS% = PTS ÷ (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA))

PTS is total points, FGA is field goal attempts, and FTA is free throw attempts. The 0.44 is an estimate of how many possessions the average trip to the free-throw line uses (accounting for and-ones, three-shot fouls, and technicals).

A worked example

Say a player scores 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting with 4-of-5 from the line:

• Denominator: 2 × (17 + 0.44 × 5) = 2 × 19.2 = 38.4
• TS% = 24 ÷ 38.4 = 62.5%

That is an excellent, efficient scoring night — far more informative than the raw 52.9% field goal percentage alone.

Why it matters

Two players can shoot the same field goal percentage while one is far more valuable — because they hit more threes or get to the line more often. TS% surfaces that difference in a single number, which is why it is the standard efficiency stat in modern basketball.

TS% vs eFG%

Effective field goal percentage also credits the extra point on threes, but it ignores free throws. TS% goes further by including foul shooting, so it is the more complete measure. Learn the companion stat in effective field goal percentage explained.

Plug in your own box score with the Basketball Shooting Percentage Calculator to get TS%, eFG%, and every basic percentage at once.