QB Rating Calculator (Passer Rating)

The quarterback rating (QB Rating), also known as passer rating, is a comprehensive statistic that evaluates the performance of quarterbacks in American football. Officially adopted in 1973, it has become the standard for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of QBs in the National Football League (NFL). The formula incorporates four key factors: completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns per attempt, and interceptions per attempt, aiming to provide a balanced measure of a quarterback's overall play.

Historical Background

QB Rating's inception in 1973 marked a significant advancement in quantifying quarterback performance. It reflects an effort to synthesize various aspects of a quarterback's game into a single, comprehensive metric. Over the years, as offensive strategies and rules have evolved, so too have the average ratings, with recent decades seeing a noticeable increase in passing efficiency.

Calculation Formula

The passer rating is calculated using the formula:

\[ QB\ Rating = \frac{(A + B + C + D)}{6} \times 100 \]

where the components are derived as follows:

• A (Completion Percentage Factor): \(\left(\frac{Pass\ Completions}{Pass\ Attempts} \times 100 - 30\right) \times 0.05\)
• B (Yards Per Attempt Factor): \(\left(\frac{Total\ Yards}{Pass\ Attempts} - 3\right) \times 0.25\)
• C (Touchdown Percentage Factor): \(\frac{Total\ Touchdowns}{Pass\ Attempts} \times 20\)
• D (Interception Percentage Factor): \(2.375 - \left(\frac{Total\ Interceptions}{Pass\ Attempts} \times 25\right)\)

Example Calculation

For a quarterback with 40 pass attempts, 25 completions, 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, the QB Rating is calculated as follows:

1. A = \(((25 / 40) \times 100 - 30) \times 0.05\)
2. B = \(((300 / 40) - 3) \times 0.25\)

3. C =

   \((3 / 40) \times 20\)

4. D = \(2.375 - ((1 / 40) \times 25)\)

Plugging these values into the formula yields the QB Rating.

Importance and Usage Scenarios

The QB Rating is crucial for evaluating quarterback performance, comparing players, and historical analysis. It influences coaching decisions, player contracts, and even Hall of Fame considerations. While no single statistic can capture the full complexity of quarterback play, the passer rating provides a valuable benchmark.

Common FAQs

1. What is the maximum QB Rating?

   • The highest possible QB Rating is 158.3, based on the way the formula is structured.

2. How can a quarterback improve their passer rating?

   • Improving completion percentage, increasing yards per attempt, scoring more touchdowns, and reducing interceptions are key factors.

3. Why is the passer rating considered important?

   • It offers a standardized way to evaluate the performance of quarterbacks across different eras and teams, despite its limitations and the evolving nature of the game.

This calculator enables fans, players, and analysts alike to easily compute the QB Rating, providing insights into quarterback performance with just a few clicks.