Hockey Save Percentage Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the hockey save percentage calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Hockey Save Percentage Calculator

Formulas Used

Save Percentage

save_pct = round(saves / shots_against * 10000) / 10000

Goals Against Average

gaa = round(goals_against / games_played * 100) / 100

Total Saves

saves_display = saves

Shots Faced per Game

shots_per_game = round(shots_against / games_played * 10) / 10

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
shots_againstShots Against500
goals_againstGoals Against45
games_playedGames Played20
savesDerived value= shots_against - goals_againstcalculated

How It Works

How Save Percentage Is Calculated

Formula

SV% = (Shots Against - Goals Against) / Shots Against

GAA = Goals Against / Games Played

Benchmarks

  • SV% above .920: Very good
  • SV% above .910: Average
  • SV% below .900: Below average
  • GAA below 2.50: Very good

    • Worked Example

    500 shots against, 45 goals in 20 games.

    shots_against = 500goals_against = 45games_played = 20
    1. 01Saves = 500 - 45 = 455
    2. 02SV% = 455 / 500 = 0.9100
    3. 03GAA = 45 / 20 = 2.25
    4. 04Shots per game = 500 / 20 = 25.0

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a good save percentage in the NHL?

    An NHL save percentage above .915 is considered good, above .920 is very good, and above .930 is elite.

    Is GAA or save percentage a better stat?

    Save percentage is generally preferred because it accounts for the number of shots faced. GAA is influenced by team defense, not just goalie performance.

    How many shots do NHL goalies face per game?

    NHL goalies typically face 28-35 shots per game on average. Goalies on weaker defensive teams may face 35+ shots regularly.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Hockey Save Percentage Calculator