Player Efficiency Rating (PER / EFF)

Player Efficiency Rating, sometimes called EFF or simply efficiency, attempts to condense all of a player's box score contributions into one number.

How to Calculate Basic Efficiency

The simple version used in most youth and amateur basketball:

EFF = (Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - (Missed FG + Missed FT + Turnovers)

What the Number Means

A positive efficiency rating means a player is contributing more positives than negatives. A rating of 0 means the player's contributions are neutral. The higher the number, the more impactful the player's stat line.

Limitations

Efficiency ratings do not capture everything. Defense, screen-setting, spacing, communication, and leadership all matter but do not show up in the box score. Coaches should use efficiency as one data point among many, not as the sole measure of a player's value.

How Coaches Should Use EFF

Track efficiency over multiple games to identify trends. A player whose efficiency is rising is likely developing well. Use it to compare players in similar roles, and to spot players who contribute in multiple statistical categories rather than just scoring.