Team B Total Value: 0
Calculator Use
The fantasy football trade calculator is a strategic tool designed to help league managers evaluate the fairness of a trade before hitting the "accept" button. Whether you are playing in a Dynasty, Redraft, or Keeper league, understanding the numerical value of your players compared to your opponent's roster is crucial for long-term success. This calculator allows you to input player values (often derived from expert rankings or personal projections) to see which side wins the transaction.
To use this calculator effectively, follow these steps:
- Trade Structure
- Choose whether the trade is a simple 1-for-1 swap or a more complex multi-player deal (like a 2-for-1 or 3-for-2).
- Player Values
- Enter the estimated trade value for each player. Most systems use a 1-100 scale where 100 represents a top-tier asset like Christian McCaffrey or Justin Jefferson.
- Consolidation Tax
- Check this box to apply a 15% value penalty to the side receiving more players. This accounts for the "roster spot" cost in fantasy football.
How It Works
The fundamental logic of our fantasy football trade calculator relies on the "Consolidation Principle." In most competitive leagues, the team receiving the single best player wins the trade because they gain high-end production in a single roster spot, while the other team must drop a player to accommodate the incoming package. The formula used for calculating the Trade Balance is:
Trade Gap (%) = |(Value A – Value B)| / Max(Value A, Value B) * 100
Variables explained:
- Value A: The sum of all players received by Team A.
- Value B: The sum of all players received by Team B.
- Consolidation Penalty: If enabled, the side giving up the "stud" (fewer players) gets a bonus, or the side receiving the "package" (more players) takes a 15% hit to their total value.
Calculation Example
Scenario: You are trading away a Top-5 Running Back (Value: 90) to receive a Mid-tier Wide Receiver (Value: 50) and a Solid Tight End (Value: 45).
Step-by-step solution:
- Team B Value (Stud): 90
- Team A Value (Package): 50 + 45 = 95
- Apply Consolidation Tax (15% off Team A): 95 * 0.85 = 80.75
- Compare: 90 (Team B) vs 80.75 (Team A)
- Difference: 9.25 points
- Result: 10.2% Gap. The team receiving the Running Back wins the trade slightly due to the value of roster consolidation.
Common Questions
Is a 2-for-1 trade always better for the side getting 1 player?
Generally, yes. In fantasy football, starting lineup spots are limited. Having one player who scores 20 points is significantly better than having two players who score 10 points each, as the latter requires two starting spots. Our fantasy football trade calculator accounts for this with the optional tax.
What values should I use for players?
You should use "Rest of Season" (ROS) rankings or specialized dynasty value charts. Many sites provide these values for free. A common scale is 0-100, where 100 is the most valuable player in the entire league format.
Does this calculator work for PPR and Standard leagues?
Yes, as long as the player values you input are specific to your league's scoring format. A WR's value will be much higher in Full PPR (Point Per Reception) compared to Standard scoring.