Save Percentage
Calculate save percentage (SV%) for hockey, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and any goalkeeper sport. Enter saves and shots against for instant results with breakdowns and performance charts.
About This Calculator
The Save Percentage Calculator helps hockey, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, water polo, and handball players, coaches, scouts, and sports analysts determine a goalkeeper's save percentage (SV%) — a fundamental metric for evaluating goalkeeper performance across all sports that track goalie statistics. Save percentage measures the proportion of shots on goal that a goalkeeper successfully stops, providing a clearer picture of individual skill than goals against average (GAA).
The save percentage formula is straightforward: divide the number of saves made by the total number of shots on goal faced. The formula is SV% = Saves / Shots Against. To express the result as a percentage, multiply the decimal by 100. For example, if an NHL hockey goalie faces 30 shots and makes 27 saves, their save percentage is 27/30 = 0.900 or 90.0%. If a Premier League soccer goalkeeper faces 8 shots on target and saves 6, their SV% is 6/8 = 0.750 or 75%. The same calculation applies across ice hockey, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, water polo, and handball, though performance benchmarks differ by sport.
To use the calculator, enter the total number of saves the goalkeeper 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 a percentage value, along with the saves count and total shots faced. The results include a detailed breakdown table and interactive bar and pie charts that help visualize the goalkeeper's performance.
Regional Notes: In North America, save percentage is most prominently used in 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 benchmarks. In the UK and Europe, save percentage is widely used in soccer (football) to evaluate goalkeepers, with top Premier League keepers like Alisson Becker and Ederson typically maintaining SV% above 70%, and in field hockey for international competitions. In India and Australia, save percentage applies to field hockey goalkeepers in national and international competitions under FIH rules, as well as to cricket (though cricket uses different keeping statistics).
Frequently Asked Questions
How is save percentage calculated?
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. To express it as a percentage, multiply the decimal result by 100. For example, a goalie who makes 27 saves on 30 shots has a save percentage of 27/30 = 0.900 or 90.0%.
What is a good save percentage in hockey?
In the NHL, a save percentage above 0.920 (92%) is considered elite, while 0.915 (91.5%) or higher is excellent. Save percentages around 0.905-0.914 (90.5-91.4%) are above average, 0.900-0.904 (90-90.4%) is average, and anything below 0.900 (90%) is below average. The NHL league-average SV% typically ranges from 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 like Alisson Becker and Thibaut Courtois typically maintain save percentages between 70% and 80%. Soccer SV% can fluctuate more than hockey due to lower shot volumes per game.
What is the difference between save percentage and goals against average?
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 facing many shots may have a high GAA but still maintain a good SV%. Sports analysts prefer SV% for evaluating goalie skill across different team defensive systems.
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. Empty-net goals and the corresponding shots are also excluded from official save percentage calculations in most sports.
What sports use save percentage statistics?
Save percentage is used across multiple goalkeeper sports including ice hockey (NHL, KHL), soccer (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A), field hockey (FIH), lacrosse (PLL, NLL), water polo (FINA), and handball (IHF). Each sport calculates SV% the same way — saves divided by shots on goal — though the benchmarks for what constitutes a good save percentage vary significantly by sport.
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. For careers (minimum 250 games), Dominik Hasek holds the record with 0.9223 career SV%, 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.
Can I use this calculator for team save percentage?
Yes, you can use this calculator for team save percentage by entering the total saves and total shots on target for the entire team. Team save percentage includes saves made by all players (not just the goalkeeper). This is useful for evaluating overall defensive performance in sports like hockey and soccer where outfield players may also block shots on goal.