Free Goalie Save Percentage Calculator

Understanding Goalie Save Percentage (SV%)

The goaltender save percentage (SV%), often referred to as the NHL save percentage when discussing professional play, measures the fraction of shots on goal that a netminder successfully stops. This metric is essential for coaches, analysts, and fans evaluating a goalie's performance. Although SV% is typically shown as a decimal (e.g., .915), converting it to a percentage (91.5%) often makes it easier to interpret. The Goalie Save Percentage Calculator available here automates this computation, delivering instant results.

The Save Percentage Formula

The calculation behind SV% requires just two numbers: saves and shots faced. The formula is:

$$\text{SV\%} = \dfrac{\text{Saves}}{\text{Shots Against}}$$

Where:

• Saves – The total number of shots the goaltender successfully blocks.
• Shots Against – All shots that reach the goal (including goals allowed and saves; do not include missed shots, blocked shots by skaters, or shootout attempts).

To express the result as a percentage, multiply the decimal by 100. For example, if a goalie faces 65 shots and makes 59 saves, the SV% is $\dfrac{59}{65} \approx 0.9077$, which equals 90.77%.

How to Use the Save Percentage Calculator

Using this SV% Calculator is straightforward:

1. Enter the number of saves made by the goaltender.
2. Enter the total shots against (only official shots on goal).
3. The calculator outputs the save percentage both as a decimal and as a percentage.

Be sure to exclude shots that miss the net, those blocked by defenders, and any attempts during a shootout, as these are not counted as official shots on goal in NHL statistics.

What Is a Good Save Percentage in the NHL?

In today’s NHL, a save percentage of .915 (91.5%) or higher is generally considered excellent, placing a goalie among the league’s top performers. A percentage below .900 (90%) is typically regarded as below average. However, context matters: factors such as team defensive quality, opposing offense strength, and league-wide scoring trends can influence what constitutes a “good” SV% in any given season.

Additional Performance Metrics

While SV% is the most direct measure of a goalie’s shot-stopping ability, other statistics provide a fuller picture:

• Quality Starts (QS): A game qualifies as a quality start if the goalie’s SV% exceeds the league-average save percentage for that season.
• Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA): This metric calculates how many goals a goalie has prevented compared to an average netminder.

These advanced numbers, combined with basic SV%, offer a comprehensive evaluation of a goaltender’s impact.