Yards Per Catch Calculator

Yards per catch (YPC) is a stat that measures the average number of yards a receiver gains on each reception. It's calculated by dividing total receiving yards by total receptions. A higher YPC indicates a receiver is gaining more ground per catch, which is often a sign of a deep threat or big-play receiver.

The formula is simple: Yards Per Catch = Total Receiving Yards ÷ Total Receptions. For example, a receiver with 1,000 yards on 50 catches has a YPC of 20.0. This metric is one of the most widely used efficiency stats in football.

For wide receivers, a YPC of 12–15 is considered solid, while 15+ is considered excellent and typically indicates a deep threat. Running backs often average 5–8 YPC due to their short-route usage, while tight ends typically average 8–12 YPC. Context matters — targets, route depth, and offensive scheme all affect the number.

Yards per catch only counts plays where the receiver actually caught the ball, while yards per target includes all targets — both catches and incompletions. Yards per target is generally considered a better measure of a receiver's true efficiency because it accounts for drops and difficult targets.

In fantasy football, yards per catch helps identify big-play receivers who can score large yardage totals even with fewer receptions. Receivers with a high YPC can be very valuable in PPR and standard formats when they're used in deep passing schemes. It's a useful metric alongside target share and red zone usage.

Catch rate is the percentage of targets a receiver successfully catches. It's calculated as: Catch Rate = (Receptions ÷ Targets) × 100. A catch rate above 65–70% is generally considered good for a wide receiver. High catch rate receivers are reliable targets who minimize incompletions.

Yes, but comparisons should be made within position groups for the most meaningful analysis. Wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs have very different roles in the passing game, which naturally leads to different YPC averages. Comparing a wide receiver's YPC to a running back's would be misleading without that context.

Deep threats and vertical receivers tend to lead in YPC. Players known for high YPC averages include DeSean Jackson, Henry Ruggs III, and various big-play wideouts. In any given season, players with 20+ YPC averages are typically being used primarily on go-routes and deep crossing patterns rather than short, high-volume routes.