Grade Calculator
Letter Grade Scale
Related Calculators
Understanding Grade Calculations
How to Calculate Grades
Calculating your grade depends on whether your class uses a simple average system or a weighted grading system. Understanding how your grade is calculated helps you know where to focus your efforts.
Simple Average
All assignments count equally toward your final grade.
Weighted Average
Different categories (exams, homework, etc.) have different weights.
Weighted Grade Calculation
Many classes use weighted grades where different categories contribute different percentages to your final grade. For example, exams might be worth 50% of your grade while homework is only 20%.
Example: Weighted Grade Calculation
| Category | Score | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework | 95% | 20% | 19% |
| Quizzes | 88% | 15% | 13.2% |
| Midterm | 82% | 25% | 20.5% |
| Final Exam | 78% | 40% | 31.2% |
| Total | 100% | 83.9% |
Final Grade: 83.9% (B)
Calculating What You Need on the Final
To find what score you need on your final exam to achieve a desired grade, use this formula:
Final Exam Score Needed
Example: If you have 85% and want 90%, with a final worth 30%:
Needed = (90 - 85 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = (90 - 59.5) ÷ 0.30 = 101.67%
Unfortunately, you'd need more than 100% to reach your goal.
Common Grading Scales
| Letter | Standard | 7-Point | GPA Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100% | 93-100% | 4.0 |
| B | 80-89% | 85-92% | 3.0 |
| C | 70-79% | 77-84% | 2.0 |
| D | 60-69% | 70-76% | 1.0 |
| F | Below 60% | Below 70% | 0.0 |
Tips for Improving Your Grade
Strategic Focus
- • Focus on high-weight categories
- • Don't skip homework even if low weight
- • Calculate what you need before finals
- • Track your grades throughout the semester
Study Strategies
- • Review graded assignments for patterns
- • Attend office hours
- • Form study groups
- • Complete extra credit if available
The Impact of Missing Assignments
A zero on an assignment hurts much more than most students realize. For example, if you have 90% average on 9 assignments and get a zero on the 10th, your new average is 81%. It would take scoring 110% on two assignments just to get back to 90%. Always submit something rather than nothing.
Understanding Points vs. Percentages
Some classes use a total points system instead of percentages. In this system, all assignments have point values (e.g., homework worth 10 points, exams worth 100 points), and your grade is calculated as total points earned divided by total points possible.
Points System Example
If a class has 1000 total points: 10 homeworks (10 pts each = 100 pts), 10 quizzes (20 pts each = 200 pts), 1 midterm (300 pts), and 1 final (400 pts). A student earning 850 points would have an 85% (B).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my weighted grade?
Multiply each category score by its weight percentage, then add the results. For example: if homework (95%) is 20% of your grade and exams (85%) are 80%, your weighted grade is (95 x 0.20) + (85 x 0.80) = 19 + 68 = 87%.
How do I find out what I need on my final exam?
Use the formula: Needed = (Desired Grade - Current Grade x (1 - Final Weight)) / Final Weight. If you have 85% and want 90% with a 30% final, you'd need: (90 - 85 x 0.70) / 0.30 = 101.7% - more than possible.
Why does one zero hurt my grade so much?
A zero is far below any passing grade and dramatically pulls down your average. For example, if you have 90% on 9 assignments and get a zero on the 10th, your average drops to 81%. Always submit something rather than nothing.
What is the difference between points and weighted grading?
Points systems add up raw points (e.g., 850/1000 = 85%). Weighted systems assign percentages to categories (e.g., exams worth 50%, homework 25%, projects 25%). Both can yield the same results but are calculated differently.