Football QB Rating Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the football qb rating calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
NFL Passer Rating
passer_rating = (a + b + c + d) / 6 * 100Completion Percentage
comp_pct = completions / attempts * 100Yards per Attempt
yards_per_attempt = yards / attemptsVariables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
completions | Completions | 22 |
attempts | Pass Attempts | 33 |
yards | Passing Yards | 280 |
touchdowns | Touchdowns | 3 |
interceptions | Interceptions | 1 |
a | Derived value= min(max((completions / attempts - 0.3) * 5, 0), 2.375) | calculated |
b | Derived value= min(max((yards / attempts - 3) * 0.25, 0), 2.375) | calculated |
c | Derived value= min(max(touchdowns / attempts * 20, 0), 2.375) | calculated |
d | Derived value= min(max(2.375 - interceptions / attempts * 25, 0), 2.375) | calculated |
How It Works
NFL Passer Rating Formula
The NFL passer rating combines four component statistics, each capped at 2.375 and floored at 0, then averaged and scaled to a 0-158.3 range.
Components
1. Completion %: (COMP/ATT - 0.3) x 5 2. Yards/Attempt: (YDS/ATT - 3) x 0.25 3. TD %: TD/ATT x 20 4. INT %: 2.375 - INT/ATT x 25
Rating = (a + b + c + d) / 6 x 100
A perfect rating is 158.3. Average in the modern NFL is around 88-92.
Worked Example
A QB goes 22/33 for 280 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT.
- 01a = (22/33 - 0.3) x 5 = (0.667 - 0.3) x 5 = 1.833
- 02b = (280/33 - 3) x 0.25 = (8.48 - 3) x 0.25 = 1.371
- 03c = 3/33 x 20 = 1.818
- 04d = 2.375 - 1/33 x 25 = 2.375 - 0.758 = 1.617
- 05Rating = (1.833 + 1.371 + 1.818 + 1.617) / 6 x 100 = 110.7
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good NFL passer rating?
Below 80 is poor, 80-90 is average, 90-100 is above average, 100-110 is Pro Bowl caliber, and 110+ is elite. Perfect rating is 158.3.
What is the minimum passer rating?
The minimum possible rating is 0.0, achieved by completing no passes, averaging 3.0 yards or fewer per attempt, throwing no TDs, and having a high INT rate.
Is passer rating a good stat?
It captures core passing stats but ignores rushing, sacks, fumbles, and game context. QBR (ESPN) and EPA/play are considered more comprehensive modern alternatives.
Learn More
Guide
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Ready to run the numbers?
Open Football QB Rating Calculator