Passer Rating Formula
Learn the complete NFL and NCAA passer rating formulas with step-by-step breakdowns, examples, and mathematical explanations.
The Complete Passer Rating Formula
Understanding the passer rating formula helps you appreciate what the numbers really mean. Here’s a complete breakdown of both the NFL and NCAA versions.
NFL Passer Rating Formula (Step by Step)
Step 1: Calculate four components
- a = (Completions / Attempts − 0.3) × 5
- b = (Yards / Attempts − 3) × 0.25
- c = (Touchdowns / Attempts) × 20
- d = 2.375 − (Interceptions / Attempts × 25)
Step 2: Clamp each value
Each component (a, b, c, d) is clamped to a range of 0 to 2.375.
Step 3: Combine
Passer Rating = ((a + b + c + d) / 6) × 100
Worked Example
QB Stats: 22 completions, 30 attempts, 285 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
| Component | Calculation | Raw | Clamped |
|---|---|---|---|
| a (Comp%) | (22/30 − 0.3) × 5 | 2.167 | 2.167 |
| b (Y/A) | (285/30 − 3) × 0.25 | 1.625 | 1.625 |
| c (TD%) | (3/30) × 20 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| d (INT%) | 2.375 − (1/30 × 25) | 1.542 | 1.542 |
Rating = ((2.167 + 1.625 + 2.0 + 1.542) / 6) × 100 = 122.2
NCAA Formula
The college formula is much simpler:
Rating = (8.4 × Yards + 330 × TDs + 100 × Completions − 200 × INTs) / Attempts
Using the same stats: (8.4 × 285 + 330 × 3 + 100 × 22 − 200 × 1) / 30 = 181.8
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