Quarterback rating (QBR or passer rating) is a statistical measure of a quarterback's performance in American football, accounting for completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. While imperfect, it's the standard metric for comparing quarterback efficiency and has been calculated consistently since 1973.
The Formula
The NFL passer rating formula is:
Rating = ((Completions / Attempts - 0.3) / 0.2 +
(Passing Yards / Attempts - 3) / 4 +
(Touchdowns / Attempts) / 0.05 +
2.375 - (Interceptions / Attempts) / 0.04) / 6 × 100
Each component is capped at 2.375, so the maximum rating is 158.3.
Simplified Example
A QB in a game:
- 20 completions, 30 attempts
- 250 passing yards
- 2 TDs
- 1 interception
Comp%: 20/30 = 0.667
(0.667 - 0.3) / 0.2 = 1.835
Y/A: 250/30 = 8.33
(8.33 - 3) / 4 = 1.333
TD/A: 2/30 = 0.067
0.067 / 0.05 = 1.34
Int/A: 1/30 = 0.033
2.375 - (0.033 / 0.04) = 1.55
Rating = (1.835 + 1.333 + 1.34 + 1.55) / 6 × 100 = 93.2
A rating of 93 is above average.
Interpretation
| Rating | Quality |
|---|---|
| 120+ | Excellent (elite passing) |
| 100–119 | Very Good |
| 85–99 | Good |
| 75–84 | Average |
| < 75 | Below Average |
For context, a rating of 100 means the QB performs exactly at "average" efficiency. Elite QBs consistently post 105+ ratings.
Limitations
The formula heavily weights completion percentage, which may favor short passing over deep shots. It doesn't account for decision-making quality, scrambling ability, or clutch performance. Modern advanced metrics like EPA (Expected Points Added) and Success Rate provide more nuanced analysis.
Season vs Game Ratings
Career leaders in passer rating include Patrick Mahomes (all-time around 105+), and historically Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Season ratings above 110 are rare and indicate exceptional efficiency that year.
Tips
QBR is useful for comparing QBs within similar era and playing styles, but context matters. A 95 rating in a defensive conference might indicate better performance than a 100 rating in a pass-friendly conference. Also consider volume — consistent 90+ ratings matters more than one 110+ game.
Use our Quarterback Rating Calculator to compute passer rating from any QB's statistics instantly.