Reviewed by: David Chen, CFA • Sports Analytics Specialist
Optimize your team building strategy with our Fantasy Draft Calculator. Whether you are trading picks or evaluating draft capital, this tool provides precise value estimates based on industry-standard pick value charts and analytics.
Fantasy Draft Calculator
Fantasy Draft Calculator Formula
Value = Base Value × e-(λ × Overall Pick)
Where λ represents the value decay constant (approx. 0.008 for standard leagues).
Formula Source: Pro Football Reference, FantasyPros Analytics
Variables:
- Number of Teams: The total size of your league, determining the “Overall Pick” number.
- Round Number: Which round of the draft you are currently in.
- Pick in Round: Your specific position within that round (1 through total teams).
What is a Fantasy Draft Calculator?
A Fantasy Draft Calculator is an analytical tool used by managers to determine the mathematical “worth” of a specific draft slot. In fantasy sports, not all picks are created equal; the difference between the 1st overall pick and the 12th is significantly larger than the difference between the 100th and 112th.
By assigning a numerical value to each pick, managers can objectively evaluate draft pick trades. For instance, if you are offered a 3rd and 5th round pick for your 2nd rounder, this calculator helps you decide if the total “capital” you receive is fair or a “fleece.”
How to Calculate Fantasy Draft Value (Example):
- Determine the Overall Pick Number: (Round – 1) × Teams + Pick in Round.
- Apply the Decay Model: Use the base value (usually 3000 for the 1.01) and reduce it exponentially.
- For an 8th pick in Round 1 of a 12-team league: Overall Pick = 8.
- Calculation: 3000 × e(-0.008 × 8) ≈ 2814 points.
Related Calculators:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Why do pick values drop so fast in the early rounds?
The “Elite Tier” of players is small. Once the top-tier talent is gone, the statistical difference between subsequent players narrows, leading to a steep initial drop-off in value.
Is this calculator suitable for Dynasty leagues?
Yes, though Dynasty picks often carry higher future value weight, the fundamental pick-to-pick value ratio remains a reliable baseline for trade negotiations.
What is the Jimmy Johnson Chart?
It is the original NFL draft value chart. Most fantasy calculators use a modified version of this to account for the smaller player pools in fantasy sports.
Can I use this for Snake Drafts?
Absolutely. For snake drafts, calculating the specific value of your slots helps determine if moving up or down the board is beneficial.