📈 Game Score Calculator
Use Dean Oliver's Game Score formula to summarize a player's total impact from a single game.
How to Use This Calculator
Grab Box Score Stats
Collect the standard stat line for the player: points, shooting, rebounds, assists, etc.
Enter Each Category
Fill in the values exactly as listed. Leave blank or zero if a stat did not occur.
Run the Calculation
Click calculate to view the Game Score and qualitative rating.
Compare Performances
Use Game Score trends to compare players or evaluate improvement over time.
Formula
Developed by Dean Oliver, Game Score condenses a box score into a single number. Positive contributions such as scoring and defensive stats are added, while inefficiencies and mistakes subtract points.
Inputs
- Points, FGM, FGA, FTM, FTA
- Offensive & defensive rebounds
- Assists, steals, blocks
- Turnovers, personal fouls
Example
32 pts, 11/22 FGs, 7/8 FTs, 3 ORB, 7 DRB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TOV, 2 PF → Game Score ≈ 28.7 (excellent).
Understanding Game Score
Game Score is a quick way to describe how impactful a game was for an individual player. It loosely approximates Player Efficiency Rating scaled on a per-game basis, making it easy to scan box scores.
Benchmark Guide
- > 40: Rare, superstar-level outing
- 30 – 40: Outstanding performance
- 20 – 30: Very good to great game
- 10 – 20: Solid rotation contribution
- < 10: Limited impact or rough night
Tips for Context
- Consider minutes played—low Game Score across heavy minutes is a red flag.
- Compare to teammates to evaluate who drove the game’s success.
- Use alongside plus/minus or advanced stats for a fuller picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Game Score?
Game Score was designed by analytics pioneer Dean Oliver as a simplified version of Player Efficiency Rating (PER) for single games.
Does Game Score account for defense?
Partially—steals, blocks, and defensive rebounds add value, but it doesn’t fully capture on-ball defense or help defense assignment quality.
Is Game Score pace-adjusted?
No. High-possession games naturally inflate counting stats. Use per-possession metrics for pace adjustments.
Can I use Game Score for youth leagues?
Yes. It works wherever box score data exists. It’s helpful for tracking player growth across games.
How does Game Score relate to PER?
Dean Oliver suggested Game Score ≈ PER × minutes / 30. It’s a simpler measure designed for quick lookups.