True Shooting Percentage, often abbreviated as TS%, is an advanced statistic that measures a player’s total scoring efficiency. Unlike traditional field goal percentage, which treats every basket the same, this metric accounts for the extra value of three-pointers and the importance of free throws.
It provides a single, comprehensive number that shows how effectively a player turns their shooting opportunities into points.
Calculating Total Efficiency
In a standard game, a player who makes five layups and a player who makes five three-pointers both show 100% on a traditional box score, yet one scored five more points than the other. True Shooting Percentage fixes this discrepancy by weighting different types of shots. The formula considers field goals, three-point attempts, and free throw trips together.
For example, a player who struggles from the floor but excels at drawing fouls and hitting free throws will have a much higher TS% than their basic shooting percentage suggests. Meanwhile, the stat uses a constant of 0.44 to account for the fact that not all free throws come in pairs, such as “and-one” plays or technical fouls.
Why True Shooting Matters
Coaches and front offices rely on this metric because it reveals the most “valuable” scorers on a roster. A high-volume scorer who takes many inefficient shots might hurt the team, whereas a player with a high True Shooting Percentage maximizes every possession.
Therefore, it serves as the gold standard for comparing players with different playing styles, such as a center who only dunks and a guard who specializes in long-range shooting. In addition, it helps teams identify which players should be taking more shots during crunch time to ensure the highest point yield.
A Clear Example
Consider two players, Marcus and David. Marcus shoots 50% from the field by making 5 out of 10 mid-range jumpers for 10 points. David shoots only 40% from the field by making 4 out of 10 shots, but all four were three-pointers, plus he made 2 free throws, totaling 14 points.
Although Marcus has a “better” traditional shooting percentage, David’s True Shooting Percentage will be significantly higher. David produced 40% more points on the same number of shot attempts, proving he was the more efficient offensive threat during that game.