Fantasy Trade Calculator

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Reviewed and Vetted by:

Dr. Elias Thorne, Ph.D. – Senior Fantasy Sports & Data Scientist

Use the ultimate Fantasy Trade Calculator to assess the fairness and balance of any proposed transaction in your league. Input known player values to determine the overall gain or loss, or leave one field blank to solve for the required value needed to make the trade equitable.

Fantasy Trade Calculator

Trade Balance / Solved Value:

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Fantasy Trade Calculator Formula:

Trade Balance = PlayerBValue + DraftPickValue – PlayerAValue

Formula Source & Methodology: PFF Trade Value Chart, FantasyPros ROS Rankings

Variables:

The calculator uses a core comparison of values. Scores are typically derived from rest-of-season (ROS) projections or established trade charts.

  • Player/Package OUT (P1 Value Score): The total fantasy value score (in points, dollars, or an arbitrary unit) of the player(s) you are sending away.
  • Player/Package IN (P2 Value Score): The total fantasy value score of the player(s) you are receiving.
  • Draft Pick/Asset Adjustment Value: The value of any additional assets included (e.g., a 2nd round pick, $10 FAAB, or a tertiary player). This is *positive* if you are receiving it, and *negative* if you are sending it away.
  • Desired Trade Balance: The target margin you are aiming for (e.g., 0 for a perfectly fair trade, or a positive number if you want to ‘win’ the trade).

What is a Fantasy Trade Calculator?

A Fantasy Trade Calculator is an essential tool for competitive fantasy sports players, especially in football, basketball, and baseball. Its primary function is to quantify the subjective value of players and assets involved in a trade, providing an objective score to determine who is receiving the better deal. It translates qualitative aspects—like positional scarcity, injury risk, and playoff schedule—into a quantifiable value score.

The scores used in these calculations are often proprietary, derived from complex algorithms that factor in Rest-of-Season (ROS) projected stats, historical consistency, and the average draft position (ADP). By comparing the total incoming value against the total outgoing value, the calculator outputs a net balance, allowing users to move beyond gut feelings and negotiate with data-backed confidence.

How to Calculate a Fantasy Trade (Example):

Suppose you are trading Player A (Value 1500) for Player B (Value 1750) plus a 3rd round pick (Value 250).

  1. Determine Outgoing Value (Player A): P1 Value Score = 1500.
  2. Determine Incoming Player Value (Player B): P2 Value Score = 1750.
  3. Determine Adjustment Value (Draft Pick): Draft Pick Value = 250.
  4. Set Desired Balance: For a fair check, Target Margin = 0.
  5. Apply the Formula: Trade Balance = 1750 (P2) + 250 (Adjustment) – 1500 (P1).
  6. Calculate Result: Trade Balance = 500. The trade yields a 500-point gain for the user, indicating a strong victory in the transaction.

Related Fantasy Calculators:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Is the Trade Calculator 100% accurate?
No calculator is 100% accurate because fantasy sports involve unpredictable outcomes, such as injuries and coaching changes. It provides a data-backed baseline for negotiation, but should always be combined with your own analysis.

What does a positive Trade Balance mean?
A positive Trade Balance means the total value of the assets you are receiving (P2 + Adjustment) is greater than the value of the assets you are trading away (P1). You are winning the trade.

Can I use this to solve for a missing player’s required value?
Yes. If you know P1, the Adjustment, and your Desired Balance, you can leave P2 Value blank. The calculator will determine the minimum P2 value needed to achieve your desired outcome.

What value should I use for Draft Picks?
The value of draft picks can vary heavily by league type (Re-draft vs. Dynasty). For dynasty leagues, always use an established, up-to-date Dynasty Trade Value Chart for the most accurate inputs.

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