Free throw percentage (FT%)

Free throw percentage (FT%) is the share of a player's free throw attempts that go in. Each made free throw is worth one point.

Formula

FT% = free throws made ÷ free throws attempted × 100

Worked example

Across a game a player goes 2 for 2, then 1 for 2, then 0 for 2, then 6 for 7 late in the game.

• Free throws made: 2 + 1 + 0 + 6 = 9
• Free throws attempted: 2 + 2 + 2 + 7 = 13
• FT% = 9 ÷ 13 × 100 = 69.2%

What counts

• Every free throw the player shoots, made or missed.
• The free throw after an "and one". The basket counts as a field goal, and the free throw counts here.

What does not count

• A miss caused by a defensive violation during the shot. Under the FIBA manual the shooter gets a substitute free throw, and only that one counts as an attempt.
• A free throw taken by the wrong player, which the officials cancel.

Judgment calls

Violations by the shooter's team. If a teammate of the shooter violates and the free throw goes in, the FIBA manual keeps the make. If it misses, it still counts as an attempt.

Technical free throws. These count like any other free throw for the player who shoots them.

How a statkeeper records it

Record each trip to the line as made and attempted, for example 1 of 2. Recording only the makes loses the attempts, and you cannot work out FT% later.

Say it to HoopReads

“Andre two free throws, makes both”

“Isaiah hits one of two at the line”

“James and-one on the drive, hits the free throw”

Related stats

Free throws add to points and usually come from shooting fouls. Compare with field goal percentage. Back to the basketball stats guide.