Quarterback Rating Calculator

Calculate the NFL passer rating for any quarterback using the official NFL formula based on completions, attempts, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions

NFL Passer Rating Formula

The NFL passer rating (also called quarterback rating) is calculated using four components, each based on a different passing statistic. The formula was adopted by the NFL in 1973 and produces a rating on a scale of 0 to 158.3.

The Four Components

a = (COMP/ATT - 0.3) × 5

Completion percentage component

b = (YDS/ATT - 3) × 0.25

Yards per attempt component

c = (TD/ATT) × 20

Touchdown percentage component

d = 2.375 - (INT/ATT × 25)

Interception percentage component (lower interceptions = higher score)

Each component is clamped to a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 2.375.

Passer Rating = ((a + b + c + d) / 6) × 100

Rating Benchmarks

  • 158.3 - Perfect passer rating (maximum possible)
  • 100+ - Elite / Pro Bowl level performance
  • 90-99 - Very good performance
  • 80-89 - Good / above average performance
  • 70-79 - Average performance
  • Below 70 - Below average performance
  • 0 - Worst possible passer rating (minimum)

Understanding the Passer Rating

The NFL passer rating was developed by Don Smith of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and adopted by the NFL in 1973. It was designed to provide a single number that summarizes a quarterback's passing performance across multiple statistical categories.

Key Facts

  • The scale ranges from 0 to 158.3 (not 0 to 100)
  • A "perfect" game requires at least 77.5% completions, 12.5+ yards/attempt, 11.875% TD rate, and 0% interceptions
  • The rating does not account for rushing ability, sacks taken, or game context
  • An average league passer rating has historically been around 80-85
  • The NCAA uses a different formula for college quarterback rating

NFL Passer Rating vs. ESPN QBR

The NFL passer rating should not be confused with ESPN's Total QBR (Quarterback Rating), which is a proprietary metric scaled from 0 to 100. ESPN's QBR incorporates additional factors like game situation, rushing, and expected points added, but its formula is not publicly available. This calculator uses the official NFL passer rating formula.

Notable Passer Rating Records

Highest Career Passer Rating

  • Patrick Mahomes - 103.3 (as of 2024 season)
  • Aaron Rodgers - 103.6 (career)
  • Russell Wilson - 101.8 (career)

Highest Single-Season Rating

  • Aaron Rodgers - 122.5 (2011)
  • Peyton Manning - 121.1 (2004)
  • Nick Foles - 119.2 (2013)

References

The passer rating formula and statistical data used in this calculator are based on official NFL sources and reputable sports references:

Note: This calculator uses the official NFL passer rating formula adopted in 1973. It does not calculate ESPN's proprietary Total QBR metric. The passer rating only evaluates passing performance and does not account for rushing, sacks, fumbles, or game context. Historical records are accurate as of the 2024 NFL season.

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