🧤 Fielding Percentage Calculator
Determine the defensive efficiency of a fielder using official statistics.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Putouts
Add the total number of outs the fielder recorded directly.
Enter Assists
Include throws and plays where the fielder helped record an out.
Enter Errors
Count all errors charged to the player during the sample of games.
Calculate & Evaluate
Press calculate to see the fielding percentage and how it stacks up to benchmarks.
Formula
Fielding Percentage (FPCT) = (Putouts + Assists) ÷ (Putouts + Assists + Errors)
Fielding percentage measures how often a defender successfully handles their total chances. A higher number indicates fewer errors relative to opportunities.
Variables
- Putouts: Outs recorded directly by the fielder.
- Assists: Plays where the fielder contributes to an out.
- Errors: Misplays allowing runners to reach or advance.
Example
A shortstop with 220 assists, 145 putouts, and 7 errors has FPCT = (220 + 145) ÷ (220 + 145 + 7) = .981, a strong defensive season.
Understanding Fielding Percentage
Fielding percentage is one of the oldest defensive stats in baseball and softball. It quantifies the rate at which a player converts defensive chances into outs without committing errors.
Typical Benchmarks
- .995+: Gold Glove caliber for most positions
- .990 – .994: Excellent professional defense
- .980 – .989: Above average, dependable glove
- .970 – .979: Solid but room for refinement
- < .970: Focus on reducing errors
Limitations
Fielding percentage does not capture range or defensive positioning. Players with exceptional range may record more plays and therefore more errors. Pair FPCT with advanced metrics like Outs Above Average, Defensive Runs Saved, or Ultimate Zone Rating for a complete view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pitchers and catchers have different benchmarks?
Yes. Pitchers usually have extremely high fielding percentages because they handle fewer difficult plays, while catchers' FPCT includes throwing errors. Compare against position-specific averages.
Does fielding percentage include throwing errors?
Absolutely. Any misplay that allows a runner to reach safely or advance, whether fielding or throwing, is counted as an error in the formula.
How many chances are needed for a reliable FPCT?
The more the better. Early-season samples can be misleading. Look at full-season totals or several weeks of games for youth levels.
Can a player have over 1.000 fielding percentage?
No. The maximum is 1.000 (100%) which occurs when a player commits zero errors on their chances.
What other stats complement FPCT?
Pair fielding percentage with range factor, Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), or Outs Above Average (OAA) to understand both reliability and playmaking ability.