Basketball
Possession Estimator
Estimate possessions from a box score with the standard Oliver formula.
Free · instant · no sign-upDeterministic
Result
Estimated possessions96.8
Dean Oliver estimate.
Possessions ≈ FGA − ORB + TOV + 0.44·FTA — the standard box-score estimate.
The formula
Possession estimate
POSS ≈ FGA − ORB + TOV + 0.44·FTA
Source: Dean Oliver, "Basketball on Paper"
What it means
- Possessions are the denominator for pace and per-possession efficiency (ratings).
Limitations
- An estimate — the 0.44 free-throw factor is a league-average approximation.
Educational only
This is a deterministic tool: the same inputs always give the same result. It is for learning and planning, not a substitute for coaching or measurement.
Keep exploring
Follow the threads from this tool into the wider knowledge base.