Hockey Goalie Save Percentage Calculator (SV%)
Calculate save percentage from shots faced and goals allowed, plus how your SV% compares to typical NHL and youth benchmarks.
Reviewed by Sher, Sports Science & Nutrition Specialist
Formula
SV% = (Shots Against - Goals Against) / Shots Against
Save Percentage equals saves divided by total shots faced. This calculator breaks down SV% by situation: even strength (5v5), power play, and shorthanded.
Worked Examples
Example 1: NHL Starter Season Save Percentage
Problem:A goaltender faces 1,050 shots and allows 84 goals in 38 games played.
Solution:Saves = 1050 - 84 = 966\nSV% = 966 / 1050 = .920\nSaves per game = 966 / 38 = 25.4\nShots per game = 1050 / 38 = 27.6\nGAA = 84 / 38 = 2.21
Result:SV% = .920 (Excellent) | 25.4 saves/game | GAA = 2.21
Example 2: Situational Save Percentage Breakdown
Problem:Even strength: 800 shots, 58 goals. Power play: 180 shots, 22 goals. Shorthanded: 20 shots, 1 goal.
Solution:ES SV% = (800 - 58) / 800 = 742/800 = .928\nPP SV% = (180 - 22) / 180 = 158/180 = .878\nSH SV% = (20 - 1) / 20 = 19/20 = .950\nOverall = (1000 - 81) / 1000 = .919
Result:Overall .919 | ES .928 | PP .878 | SH .950
Frequently Asked Questions
What is goalie save percentage and how is it calculated?
Goalie save percentage (SV%) is the most fundamental goaltending statistic in hockey, calculated by dividing the number of saves by the total number of shots faced. The formula is SV% = (Shots Against - Goals Against) / Shots Against, or equivalently SV% = Saves / Shots Against. For example, a goalie who faces 30 shots and allows 2 goals has made 28 saves, giving a save percentage of 28/30 = .933. Save percentage is expressed as a decimal to three places (like .920) rather than as a traditional percentage. It is widely regarded as the best single-number measure of individual goaltender performance because it accounts for shot volume.
What is a good save percentage in the NHL?
In the modern NHL, a save percentage of .920 or higher is considered excellent and places a goaltender among the league elite. The league average save percentage typically falls between .905 and .910, meaning the average NHL goalie stops roughly 91% of shots faced. A save percentage between .912 and .920 is above average and indicative of a solid starter. Below .900 is generally considered poor for an NHL goaltender and may warrant being replaced or sent to the minors. The highest single-season save percentages in NHL history have been around .940, achieved by goalies like Tim Thomas and Brian Elliott during exceptional seasons.
Why is even-strength save percentage more important than overall save percentage?
Even-strength save percentage (5v5 SV%) is considered more important because it isolates goaltender performance in the most common game situation and removes the distortion caused by special teams play. On the penalty kill, goalies face extremely difficult shots from the power play unit, and the number of power-play shots varies based on team discipline rather than goalie skill. Including these shots can unfairly penalize goalies on undisciplined teams that take many penalties. Even-strength play accounts for roughly 75 to 80% of game time and provides the most stable, predictive measure of goaltender ability. Analytics-focused teams prioritize 5v5 SV% in their evaluations.
How does shot quality affect save percentage?
Shot quality has a significant impact on save percentage because not all shots are equally difficult to stop. A shot from the high slot or during a breakaway is far more dangerous than a shot from the point through traffic. Goalies who face a higher proportion of high-danger chances will naturally have lower save percentages even if they are equally skilled. This is why advanced metrics like High-Danger Save Percentage (HDSV%) and Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) have become increasingly important. These metrics account for the expected goal probability of each shot, allowing analysts to evaluate whether a goalie is performing better or worse than expected given the shots they face.
References
Reviewed by Sher, Sports Science & Nutrition Specialist · Editorial policy