What this calculator does
NFL passer rating combines four rates into one number: completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdown rate and interception rate. Each is converted to a component score capped between 0 and 2.375, the four are averaged, and the result is multiplied by 100 divided by 6.
The caps are what give the scale its odd endpoints. A perfect rating is 158.3, reached when all four components hit 2.375, and the minimum is zero. Those caps also mean extraordinary performance in one category stops helping once it maxes out, which is why the scale compresses at the top.
The formula
Completion percentage minus 30, divided by 20. Yards per attempt minus 3, divided by 4. Touchdown percentage divided by 5. And 2.375 minus interception percentage times 25. Each is clamped between 0 and 2.375, then the four are summed, divided by 6 and multiplied by 100. The components are shown separately so it is clear which is limiting the rating.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Component | One of the four sub-scores, each capped at 2.375. |
| 158.3 | The maximum possible rating, from all four components reaching their cap. |
| Yards per attempt | Total passing yards divided by attempts, which carries a quarter of the rating. |
| QBR | ESPN alternative metric, which accounts for situation and is calculated quite differently. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Completions | Completions. |
| Attempts | Pass attempts. Sacks are not counted as attempts. |
| Passing yards | Passing yards. |
| Touchdowns | Touchdown passes. |
| Interceptions | Interceptions thrown. |
When to use it
Rating a single game performance
The most common use, and the component breakdown shows which category is holding a rating down.
Understanding a perfect rating
A 158.3 requires all four components at their cap, which the breakdown makes concrete rather than mysterious.
Comparing quarterbacks
The rating puts four separate rates on one scale, though it says nothing about situation, opponent or the rest of the offence.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How much do touchdowns change the rating?
The same passing line with an increasing number of touchdowns.
| Touchdowns | Passer rating | Touchdown component | Completion % component | Yards/attempt component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 96.5 | 0.667 | 1.833 | 1.750 |
| 3 | 118.8 | 2.000 | 1.833 | 1.750 |
| 5 | 125.0 | 2.375 | 1.833 | 1.750 |
Questions
What is a perfect passer rating?
158.3, which requires all four components to reach their 2.375 cap simultaneously: at least 77.5% completions, 12.5 yards per attempt, 11.875% touchdown rate and no interceptions. It is achievable in a single game and essentially impossible across a season.
Why is the maximum 158.3 rather than 100?
Because the formula was designed around 1973 to set 66.7 as an average performance and 100 as an excellent one, with the scale derived from historical data rather than built to a round maximum. The 158.3 ceiling is an artefact of the four capped components rather than a chosen number.
What is the difference between passer rating and QBR?
Passer rating uses only the four passing statistics and treats every play identically. ESPN QBR incorporates situation, down and distance, opponent quality and the quarterback running contribution, and is scaled 0 to 100. They frequently disagree, and neither settles the question on its own.
Does passer rating include rushing or sacks?
Neither. It is a passing metric only, so a quarterback who gains substantial yardage running gets no credit, and sacks are excluded entirely rather than counted as failed attempts. Both are real limitations of the measure.
For other rate statistics, see the true shooting percentage calculator. For team win percentage, see the winning percentage calculator.