What is yards per carry?
YPC is rushing yards divided by rushing attempts — the base rate of rushing efficiency. The NFL average hovers around 4.3–4.5; backs who sustain 5.0+ across a season are having an elite year, and anything under 3.5 usually signals offensive-line trouble as much as running-back decline.
How the calculator works
Divide yards by carries and, if you enter yards after contact, show the YAC share — the fraction of production created after first contact. A back with a modest 4.2 YPC but a 60% YAC share is breaking tackles; one with 5.0 YPC and 20% YAC is eating clean lanes.
Common use cases
- Comparing backs across different offensive lines
- Spotting regression: YPC far above YAC-driven norms tends to mean unsustainably big holes
- Fantasy valuation of committee backs
Formula & caveats
YPC hides situational use — goal-line carries and short-yardage work drag the average. Combine it with success rate for a fairer read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good yards per carry?
4.5+ is very good; 5.0+ across a full season is elite company.
Why does yards after contact matter?
It separates the back's own skill from line quality — YAC share survives line changes better than raw YPC.
Do QB scrambles count?
They count in team YPC but distort back comparisons — exclude them for player analysis.
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