How the NFL Passer Rating Works

The NFL passer rating combines four per-attempt rates — completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdown rate, and interception rate — each normalized into a 0–2.375 band. The average of the four components, scaled by 100, gives a rating from 0 to a theoretical maximum of 158.3.

NFL vs NCAA Formulas

The NCAA efficiency formula — (8.4 × yards + 330 × TDs + 100 × completions − 200 × INTs) ÷ attempts — is unbounded and weights volume-heavy production differently. Elite NCAA seasons can exceed 200, while NFL ratings cap at 158.3. Never compare the two directly.

Interpreting the Number

A rating in the 90s is a solid starting quarterback; 100–110 indicates a Pro Bowl-caliber season; above 110 is historically elite. Single-game ratings are noisy — volume matters, so evaluate over a full season.