Goalie Save Percentage
Calculate goalie save percentage (SV%) for hockey and soccer goalies instantly. Enter saves and shots against for SV% statistics with performance breakdowns and comparison charts.
About This Calculator
The Goalie Save Percentage Calculator helps hockey, soccer, and field hockey players, coaches, scouts, and sports analysts determine a goalkeeper's save percentage (SV%) — one of the most important metrics for evaluating goalie performance. Save percentage measures the proportion of shots a goalie successfully stops, providing a clearer picture of individual skill than goals against average (GAA) because it accounts for the volume of shots faced.
The save percentage formula is simple: divide the number of saves made by the total number of shots on goal faced. The formula is expressed as SV% = Saves / Shots Against. If you prefer the result as a percentage, multiply the decimal by 100. For example, if a hockey goalie faces 30 shots and makes 27 saves, their save percentage is 27/30 = 0.900 or 90.0%. If a soccer goalkeeper faces 5 shots on target and saves 4, their save percentage is 4/5 = 0.800 or 80.0%. The same formula applies across all sports that track goalie statistics, including ice hockey, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and water polo.
When using the calculator, enter the total number of saves the goalie made (exclude missed shots, blocked shots by defenders, and shootout saves) and the total number of shots on goal they faced (include goals scored against them but exclude missed shots, blocked shots, and shootout attempts). The calculator instantly computes the save percentage as both a decimal and percentage, along with the saves count and total shots faced. The results include a breakdown table and visual charts that help you understand the goalie's performance at a glance.
Regional Notes: In North America, goalie save percentage is most commonly associated with the NHL (National Hockey League), where the league-average SV% typically ranges from 0.905 to 0.915 and elite goalies like Dominik Hasek (0.922 career) and Tuukka Rask (0.921) set the benchmark. In the UK and Europe, save percentage is widely used in soccer (football) and field hockey to evaluate goalkeepers, with top Premier League goalies like Alisson Becker and Ederson typically maintaining SV% above 70%. In India and Australia, save percentage applies to field hockey goalkeepers in national and international competitions, where elite keepers aim for SV% above 80%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is save percentage calculated for a goalie?
Save percentage (SV%) is calculated by dividing the number of saves by the total number of shots on goal faced. The formula is SV% = Saves / Shots Against. The result is typically expressed as a decimal (e.g., 0.915) or a percentage (e.g., 91.5%). For example, a goalie who makes 59 saves on 65 shots has a save percentage of 59/65 = 0.9077 or 90.77%.
What is a good save percentage in the NHL?
In the NHL, a save percentage of approximately 0.915 (91.5%) or higher is considered excellent, while above 0.920 (92%) is elite. A save percentage around 0.905-0.914 (90.5-91.4%) is considered above average, 0.900-0.904 (90-90.4%) is average, and anything below 0.900 (90%) is below average. The NHL league-average save percentage typically hovers around 0.905 to 0.910.
What is a good save percentage in soccer?
In soccer (football), a save percentage above 75% is considered good, above 80% is very good, and above 85% is excellent. Top Premier League and Champions League goalkeepers typically maintain save percentages between 70% and 80%. Unlike hockey where high shot volumes make the stat more reliable, soccer save percentages can fluctuate more due to lower shot volumes per game.
What is the difference between save percentage and GAA?
Save percentage (SV%) measures the proportion of shots a goalie saves, while goals against average (GAA) measures how many goals a goalie allows per full game. SV% is considered a better measure of individual performance because it accounts for shot volume. A goalie on a weak defense may face many shots and have a high GAA but still maintain a good SV%. Most analysts prefer SV% for evaluating goalie skill.
Does save percentage include shootout saves?
No, shootout saves are not included in save percentage calculations in the NHL or most hockey leagues. Save percentage only counts saves made during regulation time and overtime. Shootout attempts are tracked separately as a different statistic. Similarly, empty-net goals and the corresponding shots are also excluded from official save percentage calculations.
Why is save percentage important for evaluating goalies?
Save percentage is one of the most important metrics for evaluating goalie performance because it directly measures the goalie's ability to stop shots independent of the team's defensive quality. Unlike GAA which can be inflated by facing more shots on a weak team, SV% reflects the goalie's individual performance. It is used by NHL teams, scouts, fantasy hockey players, and analysts worldwide to compare goalies across different teams and defensive systems.
What is the highest save percentage in NHL history?
The highest single-season save percentage in NHL history (minimum 20 games) belongs to Dominik Hasek with 0.937 in the 1998-99 season. Tim Thomas posted 0.938 in 2010-11 but over fewer games. For careers (minimum 250 games), Dominik Hasek holds the record with 0.9223, followed by Tuukka Rask (0.921) and Ken Dryden (0.922 in a shorter era). Among active goalies, Igor Shesterkin leads with a career SV% around 0.920.
Is save percentage used in field hockey?
Yes, save percentage is used in field hockey to evaluate goalkeepers, though it is less standardized than in ice hockey. In international field hockey competitions sanctioned by the FIH, save percentage is calculated the same way: saves divided by shots on goal. Field hockey goalies typically face fewer shots than ice hockey goalies, so per-game SV% can vary more. Elite field hockey goalkeepers aim for a save percentage above 80%.