NFL Passer Rating Calculator

What Is NFL Passer Rating?

NFL passer rating is a numerical measure used to evaluate the performance of quarterbacks. Developed by the NFL in 1973, the formula considers four key statistical categories: completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdown percentage, and interception percentage. The rating scale ranges from 0 to 158.3, with higher values indicating better performance. A passer rating of 100 or above is generally considered excellent, while a rating below 80 is regarded as below average. The formula was designed to provide a single number that captures the overall efficiency of a quarterback's passing game.

Unlike the newer ESPN QBR metric which ranges from 0 to 100, the NFL passer rating uses a fixed mathematical formula with no subjective adjustments. This makes it fully reproducible and comparable across eras. Every NFL broadcast, box score, and stat sheet includes the passer rating as a standard performance measure.

The Official NFL Passer Rating Formula

The NFL passer rating formula involves four components, each derived from basic passing statistics. First, Completion Percentage Component (a) equals completions divided by attempts, minus 0.3, multiplied by 5. Second, Yards Per Attempt Component (b) equals yards divided by attempts, minus 3, multiplied by 0.25. Third, Touchdown Percentage Component (c) equals touchdowns divided by attempts, multiplied by 20. Fourth, Interception Percentage Component (d) equals 2.375 minus interceptions divided by attempts multiplied by 25.

Each component is capped at a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 2.375. The final passer rating equals the sum of all four components divided by 6, then multiplied by 100. This cap system means the maximum possible passer rating is 158.3, achieved when all four components reach their 2.375 ceiling. A quarterback achieves a perfect rating by completing at least 77.5% of passes, averaging 12.5+ yards per attempt, throwing touchdowns on 11.875% of attempts, and having zero interceptions.

Perfect Passer Rating in NFL History

A perfect passer rating of 158.3 in a single game has been achieved over 80 times in NFL history. Ben Roethlisberger holds the record for most perfect rating games with four. Notable single-game perfect performances include Nick Foles throwing 7 touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders in 2013 with a 158.3 rating. For career passer ratings, Aaron Rodgers leads all-time among qualified quarterbacks with a career rating of 104.1, followed closely by Patrick Mahomes at 103.7. Tom Brady finished his career with a 97.2 rating across 23 seasons, while Peyton Manning posted a 96.5 career mark. The league average passer rating typically falls between 85 and 92 in the modern era, reflecting the overall pass-friendly rule changes.