Goalie Quality Start Percentage Calculator (QS%)
Calculate a goalie's quality start percentage from games played and quality starts, the stat scouts use over save percentage.
Reviewed by Sher, Sports Science & Nutrition Specialist
Formula
QS% = (Quality Starts / Games Started) x 100
A Quality Start is any game where the goaltender finishes with a save percentage of .913 or higher. QS% measures how consistently a goalie delivers at least average performance. A Really Bad Start (RBS) is a game with save percentage below .850.
Worked Examples
Example 1: NHL Starting Goaltender QS%
Problem:A starting goaltender has 30 quality starts, 8 really bad starts, and 12 neutral starts in 50 games started.
Solution:QS% = (Quality Starts / Games Started) x 100\nQS% = (30 / 50) x 100 = 60.0%\nRBS% = (8 / 50) x 100 = 16.0%\nNeutral% = (12 / 50) x 100 = 24.0%\nQS:RBS Ratio = 30 / 8 = 3.75
Result:QS% = 60.0% (Excellent) | QS:RBS Ratio = 3.75:1
Example 2: Comparing Two Goaltenders
Problem:Goalie A: 22 QS in 45 starts. Goalie B: 18 QS in 30 starts. Who is more consistent?
Solution:Goalie A QS% = (22 / 45) x 100 = 48.9%\nGoalie B QS% = (18 / 30) x 100 = 60.0%\nGoalie B has a significantly higher QS%\ndespite fewer total quality starts.\nGoalie B delivers quality outings more consistently.
Result:Goalie A: 48.9% (Average) | Goalie B: 60.0% (Excellent)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a quality start in hockey and how is it defined?
A quality start (QS) in hockey is defined as any game in which a goaltender finishes with a save percentage of .913 or higher, which approximates the league-average save percentage. This metric was created by hockey analytics writer Rob Vollman as a way to evaluate goaltender consistency on a game-by-game basis rather than relying solely on season-long averages. The .913 threshold was chosen because it represents roughly the median save percentage across the NHL, meaning a goalie who achieves this or better has given their team a solid chance to win. Quality starts provide insight into how often a goaltender delivers a reliable performance.
How is Quality Start Percentage calculated?
Quality Start Percentage (QS%) is calculated by dividing the number of quality starts by the total number of games started, then multiplying by 100. For example, if a goalie has 28 quality starts in 50 games started, their QS% is (28 / 50) x 100 = 56%. This metric measures consistency rather than peak performance. A goalie could have a high overall save percentage due to several dominant performances but a low QS% if they are inconsistent from game to game. The formula only counts games where the goaltender was the starter, excluding relief appearances where they entered mid-game and faced a limited number of shots.
What is considered a good Quality Start Percentage in the NHL?
In the NHL, a QS% above 57% is considered excellent and typically indicates an elite, consistent goaltender. The league average QS% hovers around 50%, which makes sense given that the quality start threshold is set at the approximate league-average save percentage. Top Vezina Trophy candidates often post QS% values in the 60 to 70% range during their best seasons. A QS% between 52% and 57% is above average, while 45% to 52% is roughly average. Below 45% suggests the goaltender is frequently underperforming league-average standards and may be a liability for their team on many game nights.
What is a Really Bad Start and why does it matter?
A Really Bad Start (RBS) is defined as a game where the goaltender save percentage falls below .850, meaning they allowed significantly more goals than expected given the shots faced. For example, allowing 5 goals on 25 shots (.800 save percentage) would qualify as a Really Bad Start. This metric matters because it identifies games where the goaltender was a clear negative contributor to the team outcome. A high RBS count can undermine an otherwise decent overall save percentage. Analysts often look at the ratio of quality starts to really bad starts as a measure of goaltender reliability and the likelihood they will help rather than hurt.
References
Reviewed by Sher, Sports Science & Nutrition Specialist · Editorial policy