Winning percentage turns a win-loss record into a single number you can compare and rank. Here is the formula with an example, or use our free winning percentage calculator to do it instantly.
How to Calculate Winning Percentage: Quick Facts
- Formula: (wins + 0.5 x ties) / total games.
- Shown as: a .XXX decimal in standings.
- Ties: half a win each.
- Percentage: multiply the decimal by 100.
- Shortcut: the calculator does it for you.
The Formula
Winning percentage = (wins + 0.5 x ties) divided by total games played. Total games is wins plus losses plus ties.
Worked Example
A team is 20-12 with no ties. That is 20 wins divided by 32 total games, which equals .625, or a 62.5 percent winning percentage. If that team also had 2 ties (20-12-2), it would be (20 + 1) divided by 34, which is .618.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is winning percentage shown to three decimals?
Standings use three decimals so teams can be ranked precisely even when records are close, for example .625 versus .618.
Is winning percentage the same in every sport?
The basic formula is the same, but sports that do not have ties simply use wins divided by wins plus losses.
How do I turn winning percentage into a percent?
Multiply the three-decimal figure by 100. A .625 winning percentage is 62.5 percent.
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