Save Percentage Calculator
Save percentage (Sv%) is the primary goaltending efficiency metric in ice hockey and is also widely used for soccer and field hockey goalkeepers. It measures what fraction of shots on goal are stopped by the goaltender. The NHL displays save percentage to three decimal places with no leading zero (e.g., .917). Enter saves and shots against below to calculate Sv% and goals against average.
Save percentage formula
Sv% = Saves / Shots Against
Goals Against = Shots Against - Saves
GAA = Goals Against / Games Played
Save percentage is expressed to three decimal places by NHL convention. Goals against average (GAA) measures how many goals a goaltender allows per game. Both metrics together give a fuller picture of goaltending performance.
NHL save percentage benchmarks
- .930 and above: Elite, Vezina Trophy caliber.
- .920 to .930: Excellent; top-tier starter.
- .910 to .920: Good; above average starter.
- .900 to .910: Average; league-average range.
- Below .900: Below average for an NHL starter.
Save percentage: frequently asked questions
What is save percentage?
Save percentage (Sv%) is the proportion of shots on goal that a goaltender stops. It is calculated as Saves / Shots Against. An NHL goaltender who stops 920 of 1,000 shots has a save percentage of .920.
What is the save percentage formula?
Sv% = Saves / Shots Against. This can also be expressed as Sv% = 1 - (Goals Against / Shots Against). Both formulas give the same result. In NHL convention, the result is expressed to three decimal places (e.g., .917).
What is a good save percentage in the NHL?
An NHL save percentage above .915 is generally considered good. Elite starters often post .920 to .930 or higher. The league average is typically around .905 to .910. A save percentage below .900 is below average for a starting NHL goaltender.
How does save percentage apply to soccer goalkeepers?
In soccer, the concept is the same: saves divided by shots on target faced. However, expected goals models (xGOT) provide additional context, as save percentage alone does not account for shot difficulty.
Is save percentage the most important goaltending statistic?
Save percentage is the most commonly cited goaltending statistic, but it does not fully account for shot quality or defensive support. Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA) and Goals Against Above Average (GAAA) are more advanced metrics that adjust for shot quality.
Official sources
- NHL Official Statistics: nhl.com/stats.
- NHL Official Rules: nhl.com/ice-time/nhl-rulebook.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.