Plus Minus Calculator
Plus minus counts the even strength goals scored and conceded while a player is on the ice. Enter both totals.
Calculate plus minus
Fill in the fields and select Calculate.
What you'll need
To use the plus minus calculator, have these figures ready:
- Goals for while on ice — for example, 60.
- Goals against while on ice — for example, 45.
The calculator then returns the plus minus the moment you press calculate.
How it works
Plus minus = goals for on ice − goals against on ice
You enter the goals for while on ice and goals against while on ice, and the calculator returns the plus minus using the formula above.
When to Use
Use this hockey plus-minus (+/-) calculator to measure a player's net goal differential during even-strength or shorthanded play. Helps evaluate overall defensive and offensive impact.
What the result tells you
A positive plus minus suggests a player is on the ice for more good than harm at even strength, but it is a blunt tool. It depends heavily on linemates, deployment and goaltending, so a single season figure can mislead. Use it as a rough indicator alongside more detailed possession stats.
Benchmarks & Interpretation
Here is how typical results are categorized and interpreted:
| Value / Range | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Above +15 | Elite Impact | Exceptional net differential. Team scores consistently while this player is on the ice. |
| 0 – +15 | Positive Contribution | Solid two-way player. Reliable performer in even-strength lines. |
| Below 0 | Defensive Liability | Absorbing more goals than scoring. Review line matchups and defensive positioning. |
Pro Tips & Advice
Improve your +/- rating by prioritizing backchecking responsibilities, maintaining defensive positioning, and protecting the slot.
Step by step
- Enter the goals for while on ice.
- Enter the goals against while on ice.
- Select Calculate to read the plus minus.
Worked example
60 goals for and 45 against while on the ice gives a plus minus of 60 − 45, which is plus 15.
Frequently asked questions
How is the plus minus worked out?
Plus minus = goals for on ice − goals against on ice. Plus minus counts the even strength goals scored and conceded while a player is on the ice. Enter both totals.
Why is plus minus criticised?
It credits or blames a player for outcomes shaped by teammates, opponents and luck. It is a starting point, not a complete judgement of defensive value.
Do power-play goals count towards plus-minus?
No. Plus-minus only counts goals scored at even strength or when shorthanded, to avoid biasing the stat towards power-play units.
What are the limitations of the plus-minus stat?
Plus-minus is highly influenced by team strength. A good player on a struggling team may carry a negative rating despite strong personal play.
How accurate is the Plus Minus Calculator?
The tool applies the standard formula exactly, so the result is only as accurate as the figures you enter. Double check your inputs, since a wrong number going in gives a wrong number coming out.
Is the Plus Minus Calculator free to use?
Yes. Every tool on GamersZone is free, with no account and no limit on how many times you calculate. The maths runs in your browser, so the numbers you enter are never sent to a server or stored.
How we calculate this
This tool applies the standard formula shown above. The calculation runs entirely in your browser, so the figures you enter are never stored.