Basketball Game Score Calculator (Hollinger GmSc)
Calculate John Hollinger’s Game Score (GmSc) for one basketball game from points, shooting, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, fouls and turnovers, with a line-by-line breakdown.
How it works
GmSc = PTS + 0.4 × FG − 0.7 × FGA − 0.4 × (FTA − FT) + 0.7 × ORB + 0.3 × DRB + STL + 0.7 × AST + 0.7 × BLK − 0.4 × PF − TOV.
Game Score was created by John Hollinger as a single-game version of his PER: one number that credits points, made shots, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks and charges missed shots, missed free throws, fouls and turnovers. It is on roughly the same scale as points, so 10 is an average game and 40 an outstanding one. Basketball-Reference shows it for every box score.
Worked example
A player scores 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting and 5-of-6 free throws, with 2 offensive and 6 defensive rebounds, 1 steal, 5 assists, 1 block, 2 fouls and 3 turnovers. GmSc = 25 + 3.6 − 12.6 − 0.4 + 1.4 + 1.8 + 1 + 3.5 + 0.7 − 0.8 − 3 = 20.2, a very good game.
Sources: Basketball-Reference — Glossary (Game Score) · Game score — Hollinger formula
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Game Score?
Hollinger set the scale so that 10 is an average performance and 40 is outstanding. 20+ is a very good night, 30+ excellent; the best single games in NBA history score 60–70.
How is Game Score different from PER?
PER is a per-minute, pace- and league-adjusted season rating with 15 as average. Game Score is a simple linear formula for one box score, with no minutes or pace adjustment.
Why are missed shots penalized?
Each field goal attempt costs 0.7 and each make gives back 0.4 plus the points, so inefficient shooting lowers the score. A 2-of-15 night can produce a low Game Score even with decent points.
Can Game Score be negative?
Yes. A player with few points, many missed shots, turnovers and fouls can finish below zero.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.