Forward-scattering efficiency (FSE) is first proposed when an Ag nanoparticle serves as the light-trapping structure for thin-film (TF) solar cells because the Ag nanoparticle’s light-trapping efficiency lies on the light-scattering direction of metal nanoparticles. Based on FSE analysis of Ag nanoparticles with radii of 53 and 88 nm, the forward-scattering spectra and light-trapping efficiencies are calculated. The contributions of dipole and quadrupole modes to light-trapping effect are also analyzed quantitatively. When the surface coverage of Ag nanoparticles is 5%, light-trapping efficiencies are 15.5% and 32.3%, respectively, for 53- and 88-nm Ag nanoparticles. Results indicate that the plasmon quadrupole mode resonance of Ag nanoparticles could further enhance the light-trapping effect for TF solar cells.