What is Passer Rating?

A complete guide to understanding passer rating in football. Learn what the stat measures, how it's used, and why it matters for evaluating quarterbacks.

What is Passer Rating?

Passer rating (also known as quarterback rating) is a numerical stat used in American football to measure a quarterback’s passing efficiency. It combines multiple aspects of passing performance into a single score.

What Does Passer Rating Measure?

Passer rating evaluates five key passing statistics:

  1. Completion percentage — How often a quarterback completes passes
  2. Yards per attempt — How many yards each pass attempt generates
  3. Touchdown percentage — What proportion of passes result in touchdowns
  4. Interception percentage — How often passes are intercepted

The Two Versions of Passer Rating

There are two main formulas used in American football:

NFL Passer Rating (Scale: 0 – 158.3)

  • Used in professional football since 1973
  • Designed by Don Smith of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • Has a unique maximum of 158.3 (the “perfect passer rating”)

NCAA Passer Efficiency Rating (No upper limit)

  • Used in college football
  • Simpler formula than the NFL version
  • Typical elite values range from 170 – 200+

How is Passer Rating Used?

  • Comparing quarterbacks within a season or across eras
  • Fantasy football analysis and decision-making
  • Draft scouting and player evaluation
  • Broadcasting — it’s one of the most frequently cited QB stats on TV

Limitations of Passer Rating

While useful, passer rating doesn’t account for:

  • Rushing performance
  • Game situation and leverage
  • Sacks taken
  • Dropped passes vs. incompletions
  • Quality of competition

Despite these limitations, passer rating remains the most widely used and understood measure of quarterback efficiency in football.

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