What does "PF" stand for in an NBA box score?

In an NBA box score, “PF” stands for personal fouls.

The PF column records the number of personal fouls a player committed during the game. A personal foul generally involves illegal physical contact, such as holding, pushing, blocking, or striking an opponent. The statistic is also shown for teams in team totals, helping officials and viewers track the game’s foul situation.

PF is easy to confuse with “power forward,” which is also commonly abbreviated PF in basketball. The meaning depends on context: in a lineup, roster, or player bio, PF usually identifies the power-forward position; in a statistical box score, it means personal fouls. NBA box scores separately list position information when needed.

Fouls can affect strategy because repeated violations bring a player closer to disqualification. Under standard NBA rules, a player fouls out after six personal fouls. Team foul totals also influence when the opposing team enters the penalty or bonus situation and can receive free throws.