A Goal Ratio Calculator helps determine the ratio between the goals a team scores and the goals it concedes. This statistic was historically used as a tiebreaker in football tournaments before goal difference became the more common method. The goal ratio shows how many goals a team scores for every goal it concedes, giving a clear view of efficiency in both attack and defense. A higher ratio means the team scores far more goals than it allows, while a lower ratio means the team is letting in too many goals compared to the number it scores.
formula
The primary formula for calculating Goal Ratio is a division of the total goals scored by the total goals conceded:
Goal Ratio = Goals For / Goals Against
Important Note: If Goals Against is zero, the Goal Ratio is considered undefined. In most calculators, this would be displayed as infinity or marked as undefined, since division by zero is not possible.
Component Formulas
To use the main Goal Ratio formula, you need the values for its two components:
1. Goals For (GF):
This is the total number of goals a team has scored across all relevant matches.
Goals For = Sum of all goals scored by the team
2. Goals Against (GA):
This is the total number of goals a team has had scored against them across all relevant matches.
Goals Against = Sum of all goals conceded by the team
Quick Reference Goal Ratio Table
This table shows common combinations of goals scored and goals conceded, along with the resulting goal ratio.
| Goals For (GF) | Goals Against (GA) | Goal Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 5 | 2.00 |
| 8 | 4 | 2.00 |
| 15 | 10 | 1.50 |
| 12 | 6 | 2.00 |
| 7 | 7 | 1.00 |
| 9 | 3 | 3.00 |
| 20 | 8 | 2.50 |
| 5 | 2 | 2.50 |
| 4 | 1 | 4.00 |
| 6 | 0 | Undefined |
Example
Suppose a football team has played several matches and scored a total of 18 goals while conceding 6 goals.
Step 1: Identify Goals For (GF)
GF = 18
Step 2: Identify Goals Against (GA)
GA = 6
Step 3: Apply the Goal Ratio formula
Goal Ratio = 18 / 6 = 3.00
This means the team scores three goals for every one goal it concedes, showing strong offensive and defensive balance.
Most Common FAQs
Goal ratio was replaced in most leagues by goal difference because goal difference is easier to calculate and is considered fairer in ranking teams.
A goal ratio of 1 means the team scores and concedes the same number of goals, indicating balanced attack and defense but no overall scoring advantage.
Yes, if a team has conceded zero goals, the ratio is mathematically undefined, though in practice it might be shown as infinity to indicate perfect defense.