Grade guide

How to Calculate Your Grade

The method depends on whether your class uses total points or weighted categories.

Points-based grades

If every point in the course counts equally, add the points you earned, divide by the points possible, then multiply by 100.

Grade % = points earned ÷ points possible × 100

For example, 428 points earned out of 500 possible gives 428 ÷ 500 × 100 = 85.6%.

Use the Grade Calculator to combine several points-based assignments without doing the arithmetic yourself.

Weighted grades

If assignments or categories count for different percentages, multiply each score by its weight and add the contributions.

Weighted grade = Σ(score × weight)

For example, an 80% category worth 40% of the course contributes 32 percentage points to the final grade.

Use the Weighted Grade Calculator when your syllabus gives different weights to homework, exams or coursework.

How to tell which grading method your class uses

If your gradebook shows points such as 18/20, 42/50 and 27/30 and all points count equally, use the points method. If your syllabus says categories are worth fixed shares such as Homework 20%, Tests 50% and Final 30%, use the weighted method.

Planning ahead

If you know your current grade but want to calculate the score needed on a final exam, use the Final Grade Calculator. If your concern is simply passing the course, use What Grade Do I Need to Pass?.