🧤 Save Percentage Calculator
Track goalkeeper performance by converting shots on target and saves into save percentage, shot workload, and goals allowed metrics.
Total shots on target (per match or across sample).
Exclude shots that missed or hit the post.
Used to compute per-match averages.
Save percentage
75.0%
Strong performance
Workload per match
12.0 shots
Saves 9.0 • Goals 3.0
Football / Soccer benchmarks
Top-tier goalkeepers save ~72–78% of shots on target.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Shots on target (SoT) | 12 |
| Saves | 9 |
| Goals allowed | 3 |
| Save percentage | 75.0% |
Benchmark Goals
| Target | Save % | Additional saves needed* |
|---|---|---|
| Elite | 78.0% | 1 |
| Strong | 72.0% | Current performance meets or exceeds target |
| Average | 68.0% | Current performance meets or exceeds target |
*Assuming the same number of shots on target in the sample.
How to Use This Calculator
Log shots on target
Track shots that required goalie intervention—exclude shots off the post or wide.
Record saves made
Count every deflection, catch, or block that prevented a goal.
Select sport benchmarks
Different sports have different expected save percentages; choose the one that matches your league.
Analyze outputs and trend over time
Track save percentage across matches to detect consistency, fatigue, or training impact.
Formula
Save % = Saves Ă· Shots on Target
Expressed as a decimal or percentage. When using season totals, this provides the goalie’s overall save efficiency.
For deeper analysis, pair save percentage with shot quality metrics (expected goals) and distribution of shot locations to isolate goalie performance from defensive impact.
Performance Insights
Improving save percentage hinges on positioning, reaction time, and defensive coordination. Benchmarking against elite numbers helps set realistic targets for training.
Ways to boost save percentage
- Analyze video to identify recurring goals (low corners, rebounds, crosses).
- Enhance communication with defenders to reduce unmarked shots.
- Work on footwork and explosive drills to expand coverage range.
Monitor workload
- If saves per game are high, evaluate defensive structure or shot prevention strategies.
- Track fatigue indicators across match sequences to schedule rest or rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do penalty kicks count as shots on target?
Yes, if the keeper faces them. Track separately if you want to analyze penalty performance.
What about blocked shots?
Shots blocked by defenders before reaching the keeper are not shots on target and should be excluded.
Can I use this for ice hockey goalies?
Absolutely. Choose the hockey benchmark or use custom targets based on your league.
Is save percentage the best goalie metric?
It’s a foundational stat. Pair it with expected goals saved, rebound control percentage, or distribution accuracy for full evaluation.
How often should I update the data?
Track after every game. Rolling averages (last 5 games) help smooth out extreme performances.