What Does FG Mean in Basketball? Explained

By Sarah Miller · June 12, 2049

In basketball, 'FG' stands for field goal, which refers to any shot made during gameplay that is not a free throw. A field goal can be worth two or three points depending on the distance from which it is taken. The term is also used to describe field goal percentage (FG%), a key statistic measuring shooting efficiency.

Understanding Field Goals in Basketball

A field goal (FG) is one of the primary ways players score points in basketball. Unlike free throws, which are uncontested shots awarded after fouls, field goals are scored during active play from the floor. These shots can be taken from anywhere on the court, but their point value depends on whether they are made inside or outside the three-point line.

Types of Field Goals

Two-Point Field Goal: Any successful shot taken from inside the three-point arc.
Three-Point Field Goal: A basket made from beyond the three-point line, worth an extra point.
Dunks and Layups: Common forms of high-percentage two-point field goals.
Jump Shots and Pull-Ups: Mid-range or long-range attempts that may be two or three-pointers.

What Is Field Goal Percentage (FG%)?

Field goal percentage (FG%) is calculated by dividing the number of field goals made (FGM) by the number of field goals attempted (FGA). It is expressed as a decimal or percentage and is a critical metric for evaluating a player’s or team’s shooting efficiency.

The formula is: FG% = FGM / FGA

Why FG% Matters

Measures scoring efficiency under defensive pressure.
Helps compare players across positions and playing styles.
Used in advanced analytics like true shooting percentage (TS%).
Coaches use FG% to assess offensive strategies and player roles.

Player	Team (2024)	FG%	PPG	Usage Rate
Devin Booker	Phoenix Suns	0.518	27.1	27.3%
Giannis Antetokounmpo	Milwaukee Bucks	0.561	30.4	31.6%
Stephen Curry	Golden State Warriors	0.477	26.5	29.1%
A'ja Wilson	Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)	0.647	24.8	30.9%
Nikola Jokić	Denver Nuggets	0.583	28.9	32.1%

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that elite scorers like Giannis and Nikola Jokić maintain high field goal percentages despite heavy usage, indicating exceptional efficiency. In contrast, Stephen Curry has a lower FG% due to a higher volume of three-point attempts, which are inherently riskier. A'ja Wilson's remarkable 64.7% FG in the WNBA highlights dominant interior scoring.

Factors That Influence Field Goal Success

Shot Location

Shots near the rim, such as dunks and layups, have the highest FG% due to proximity and reduced defensive contesting. Mid-range jumpers typically have lower efficiency, while three-pointers vary based on shooter skill and spacing.

Defensive Pressure

Contested shots significantly reduce FG%. Players with strong footwork, quick releases, or superior athleticism tend to maintain better FG% under pressure.

Player Position and Role

Centers and power forwards often have higher FG% due to close-range attempts.
Guards may have lower FG% if they take more perimeter shots.
Role players who take open shots off ball movement usually post elite FG%.

Advanced Metrics Related to FG

While FG% is useful, it doesn’t account for the value of three-pointers or free throws. More comprehensive metrics include:

Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): Adjusts for the added value of 3-pointers.
True Shooting Percentage (TS%): Incorporates free throws and all scoring methods.
Points Per Shot (PPS): Measures efficiency per field goal attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions About FG in Basketball

Does a field goal include free throws?

No, a field goal does not include free throws. Field goals are baskets scored during regular play, while free throws are awarded after fouls and counted separately in statistics.

Is a three-pointer considered a field goal?

Yes, a three-point shot is a type of field goal. It counts as a made field goal and is included in both field goals made (FGM) and field goal percentage (FG%) calculations.

What is a good field goal percentage in basketball?

In the NBA, a FG% above 50% is considered excellent, especially for high-volume scorers. For context, career leaders like DeAndre Jordan and Artis Gilmore exceeded 60%, primarily through rim attacks.

How is FG% different from eFG%?

Field goal percentage (FG%) treats all field goals equally, while effective field goal percentage (eFG%) adjusts for the fact that three-pointers are worth more. eFG% = (FG + 0.5 * 3P) / FGA.

Who holds the record for highest FG% in NBA history?

DeAndre Jordan holds the NBA career record for highest FG% at approximately 67.4%, largely due to his role as a lob finisher and rim protector. Statistically, he is the most efficient shooter in league history among qualified players.