Volleyball stats explained: meanings and formulas
Updated 5 November 2026
Side-out, break point, hitting percentage, positivity: these numbers tell the story of a volleyball match. Here you’ll find what each one measures, the formula, a worked example and how to use it on the bench. They are the same formulas Scouty uses.
The formulas, in one table
| Stat | How it is calculated | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Side-out % | points won when they serve / rallies on their serve | 18 of 30 = 60% |
| Break point % | points won on your serve / rallies on your serve | 10 of 25 = 40% |
| Attack efficiency (hitting percentage) | (kills − errors) / attempts | (12 − 4) / 30 = .267 |
| Serve efficiency | (aces − errors) / serves | (3 − 6) / 30 = −10% |
| Serve positivity | (aces + positive serves) / serves | (3 + 7) / 30 = 33.3% |
| Pass efficiency | (perfect − aced − overpasses) / passes | (8 − 2 − 1) / 25 = 20% |
| Pass positivity | (perfect + within 3 m) / passes | (8 + 9) / 25 = 68% |
| 0–3 passing average | perfect 3, within 3 m 2, beyond 3 m 1, overpass or error 0; total / passes | 47 / 25 = 1.88 |
The examples are made up to show the maths. Different programs may define some indicators slightly differently: when you compare two sources, check the formula.
Side-out and break point
Side-out tells you how often you score when they serve: the point that wins serve back. Break point tells you how often you score on your own serve: the point that builds a lead. Read together, they show whether you are losing the set in serve receive or never managing to pull away.
Efficiency and positivity
Efficiency rewards points and subtracts errors, so it can fall below zero. Attack efficiency is what US coaches call hitting percentage. Positivity counts successful touches without subtracting errors. A team that serves aggressively often has more positivity and less efficiency: not necessarily a problem, it depends on what you’re after.
Passing
Positivity and the 0–3 average show how well you get the ball to your setter. Read them next to side-out: if passing holds but side-out drops, the problem may be the attack after the pass.
Rotations
Splitting side-out by rotation, P1 to P6, is often the most useful reading: one weak rotation can cost a set. It’s the number to check at a time-out when you’re deciding on a substitution or a different serve-receive formation.
What to check at a time-out
- Points against errors: are you losing to their play or to your own mistakes?
- Side-out and break point: where is the set being decided?
- Critical rotation: which one is performing worst?
- Who is making the most errors: is it time for a substitution or a word?
Scouty shows you these numbers while the match is on. You do no maths: tap the player and the outcome, and the stats update. If you don’t know where to start, read how to scout volleyball. You can also set team targets and see straight away when you reach them.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate side-out percentage in volleyball?
Divide the points won when the other team serves by the rallies played on their serve. 18 points in 30 rallies is a side-out rate of 60%.
How do you calculate hitting percentage?
Subtract attack errors from kills, then divide by total attempts. With 12 kills, 4 errors and 30 attempts: (12 − 4) / 30 = .267. Blocked attacks count as errors.
What is the difference between side-out and break point?
Side-out measures points won when you receive, break point those won when you serve. The first keeps you in the set, the second builds a lead.
What is a good side-out percentage?
It depends on level and age group, so no single number fits everyone. Start from your recent matches and set a target slightly above your average.