A field goal in basketball is any basket scored from live play that is not a free throw, and it is usually worth 2 or 3 points depending on where the shot is taken from.

What is a field goal in basketball?

  • A field goal is any successful shot made during normal play, excluding free throws.
  • If the shot is taken inside or with a foot on the three‑point line, it counts for 2 points.
  • If the shot is taken from behind the three‑point line, it counts for 3 points.
  • In some special formats, like FIBA 3x3 and the BIG3 league, field goals can occasionally be worth 1 or even 4 points, but that’s not the standard 5‑on‑5 rule.

Types of field goals (with quick examples)

  • Layups and dunks near the rim (usually 2 points).
  • Mid‑range jump shots inside the three‑point arc (2 points).
  • Three‑pointers from beyond the arc (3 points).

You’ll also see “FG,” “FGA,” and “FG%” on box scores, which track how many field goals a player made, how many they attempted, and their field goal percentage (efficiency).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.