NFL Passer Rating Calculator
Passer Rating
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Performance Grade
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How the NFL Passer Rating Works
The NFL passer rating formula evaluates quarterback performance using four components: completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdown percentage, and interception percentage. Each component is calculated, capped between 0 and 2.375, summed, divided by 6, and multiplied by 100.
The maximum possible passer rating is 158.3, achieved by hitting the ceiling on all four components. A rating of 80-90 is considered average for modern NFL quarterbacks. The best career passer rating in NFL history is held by Aaron Rodgers at 104.5.
While the passer rating is the NFL's official measure, it has limitations: it does not account for sacks, rushing, dropped passes, or game situation. Alternative metrics like QBR (ESPN) and EPA (Expected Points Added) attempt to provide more context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good NFL passer rating?
In the modern NFL, a rating above 90 is good, above 100 is excellent, and above 110 is elite. The league average has risen from about 70 in the 1970s to about 90 today due to rule changes favoring passing.
What is a perfect passer rating?
A perfect passer rating is 158.3. To achieve it, a QB needs: 77.5%+ completion rate, 12.5+ yards per attempt, 11.875%+ TD rate, and 0% interception rate.
How is passer rating different from QBR?
NFL passer rating uses only passing stats with a fixed formula (max 158.3). ESPN's QBR (0-100 scale) incorporates rushing, game situation, opponent, and play context for a more comprehensive evaluation.