DFS Value Calculator
Calculate player value scores based on projected fantasy points per $1,000 of salary. Build a value board to compare players and find the best DFS plays.
Calculate Value
Enter a salary and projected points to see the value score
Value Board
Add players above or load an example to build your value board
Understanding DFS Value Scoring
What Is a DFS Value Score?
A DFS value score measures the number of fantasy points a player is projected to produce per $1,000 of salary cost. It is calculated by dividing projected fantasy points by salary and multiplying by 1,000. This standardized metric allows you to compare players at different price points on an apples-to-apples basis. A quarterback priced at $8,000 who projects for 20 points has a value score of 2.50, while a wide receiver at $4,500 projecting for 14 points scores 3.11 -- making the cheaper receiver the better value despite fewer raw points.
What Makes a Good Value Play?
In most DFS formats, a value score above 5.0 is considered good and above 6.0 is excellent. These thresholds shift depending on the sport and platform. NFL DFS typically sees tighter value ranges because salary pricing is more efficient, while NBA DFS can produce higher value scores due to greater variance in minutes and usage. A good value play is not just about the raw number -- context matters. A player with a 5.5 value score who faces a bottom-five defense and has a high implied team total is a far stronger play than a 5.5-value player in a tough matchup. Always pair value scores with situational analysis for the most informed roster decisions.
Salary, Ownership, and Finding Leverage
DFS platforms set player salaries based on expected performance, which in turn drives ownership percentage -- the share of lineups that roster a particular player. High-value plays tend to attract high ownership, especially in large-field GPP tournaments. While high-value, high-ownership players are strong plays in cash games, tournament strategy often requires finding leverage: rostering players who offer value but are overlooked by the field. A player with a solid 4.5 value score and 8% projected ownership can be more impactful in a GPP than a 6.0-value player at 45% ownership. When the popular chalk player has an average game, your contrarian pick can vault you up the standings. The best DFS players use value scores as a starting point and then layer in ownership projections, game theory, and correlation strategies to build lineups that are both mathematically sound and differentiated from the field.
Using This Tool Effectively
Start by entering your projected fantasy points and salary for each player you are considering. Add them to the value board to see a ranked comparison. Focus on players whose value scores exceed the average for their position and price tier. In cash games, prioritize the highest-value players regardless of ownership. In tournaments, use the board to identify value pockets -- salary ranges where one or two players clearly stand out as underpriced. Combine this tool with our DFS Bankroll Calculator to ensure you are allocating your budget wisely across contest types. For more on sports betting strategy, visit our Sports Betting hub.