Player Efficiency Rating
PER is a per-minute rating that sums positive stats and subtracts negatives. League average is always 15. John Hollinger created it for ESPN.
Why This Stat Matters
Why: PER is the most cited all-in-one player metric. It normalizes for pace and minutes so you can compare players across eras. League average is always 15.
How: Enter box score stats. uPER = (1/MP) × (positive − negative). Then pace-adjusted and normalized to 15. Positive: points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks. Negative: misses, turnovers, fouls.
- ●PER > 30 = MVP level
- ●PER 22-30 = All-Star
- ●League avg = 15
- ●Hollinger created for ESPN
📋 Quick Examples — Click to Load
📊 PER vs Historical Greats
📊 PER vs League Avg
📊 PER Scale
📊 PER Greats Line
⚠️For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
🏟️ Court Facts
League avg PER = 15
Jordan 1987-88: 31.7 PER
John Hollinger created PER
Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a per-minute rating by John Hollinger. It sums positive stats (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) and subtracts negatives (misses, turnovers, fouls). League average is always 15.0. Curry 2015-16: 31.5. Jokic 2023-24: 31.3. Heavily favors offense; defense beyond steals/blocks is underweighted.
Sources: Basketball-Reference, ESPN, Hollinger.
Key Takeaways
- • PER = per-minute rating; league average always 15
- • PER > 22 = All-Star; PER > 30 = MVP level
- • John Hollinger created it; normalizes for pace and minutes
- • Favors offense; underweights perimeter defense
Did You Know?
How Does PER Work?
uPER
uPER = (1/MP) × (positive − negative). Positive: FGM×2, 3PM×0.5, FTM×0.5, AST×0.67, STL, BLK×0.5, ORB×0.5, DRB×0.25. Negative: missed FG×0.6, missed FT×0.4, TOV×0.75, PF×0.3.
Pace Adjustment
aPER = uPER × (league pace / team pace). Adjusts for team tempo.
Normalization
PER = aPER × (15 / league aPER). League average always 15.0.
Expert Tips
PER Scale
| Rating | PER | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MVP | >30 | Jokic, Curry, Jordan |
| All-Star | 22-30 | LeBron, AD |
| Above Avg | 15-22 | Solid starters |
| Avg / Below | <15 | Role players |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PER (Player Efficiency Rating)?
PER is a per-minute rating that sums positive accomplishments (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) and subtracts negative ones (misses, turnovers, fouls). League average is always 15.0. John Hollinger created it.
Who invented PER?
John Hollinger, former ESPN columnist and Memphis Grizzlies VP, created PER in the early 2000s. It normalizes for pace and minutes so players can be compared across eras and roles.
What is a good PER?
League average = 15. PER > 22 = All-Star. PER > 30 = MVP level. Stephen Curry 2015-16: 31.5. Nikola Jokic 2023-24: 31.3. Michael Jordan 1987-88: 31.7.
What are PER limitations?
Heavily favors offensive stats; defense beyond steals/blocks is underweighted. Can overvalue high-usage, inefficient scorers. Does not account for lineup context or opponent quality.
How is PER calculated?
uPER = (1/MP) × (positive − negative). Positive: FGM×2, 3PM×0.5, FTM×0.5, AST×0.67, STL, BLK×0.5, ORB×0.5, DRB×0.25. Negative: missed FG×0.6, missed FT×0.4, TOV×0.75, PF×0.3. Then pace-adjusted and normalized to 15.
Why is league average PER always 15?
PER is normalized so the league average equals 15.0 every season. This allows cross-era comparison. A 20 PER in 1990 means the same as 20 PER in 2024.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. PER uses a simplified formula. For official stats, use Basketball-Reference or ESPN. PER favors offense. Not professional advice.