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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to Calculate Grades

To calculate a grade, divide the points earned by the total possible points and multiply by 100. The result is the percentage score used to determine the letter grade.

3-step method · Worked examples · Updated July 16, 2026

The grade percentage formula

Grade %=
Points earnedTotal possible points
× 100

Calculate a test grade in three steps

  1. 1

    Find the points earned

    Subtract wrong answers or missed points from the total possible points. For 25 questions with 2 wrong, the student earned 23 points.

  2. 2

    Divide earned points by the total

    Divide 23 by 25. The result is 0.92.

  3. 3

    Multiply by 100

    Multiply 0.92 by 100 to get a final score of 92%.

Grade calculation examples

20 questions, 3 wrong17 ÷ 20 × 100 = 85%Letter grade: B
40 points, 5.5 missed34.5 ÷ 40 × 100 = 86.25%Letter grade: B
50 points, 4 bonus54 ÷ 50 × 100 = 108%Bonus score above 100%

Raw scores, percentages, and letter grades

A raw score is the number of questions correct or points earned. The percentage expresses that raw score out of 100. The grading scale then assigns a letter grade to the percentage. For example, 18 correct out of 20 is a raw score of 18/20, a percentage of 90%, and a letter grade determined by the course scale.

How to calculate a weighted grade

For weighted categories, multiply each category average by its decimal weight, then add the results. If exams are 50% of the course and the exam average is 88%, that category contributes 44 points to the final percentage. Repeat the process for quizzes, homework, projects, and participation.

When rounding changes the result

Keep the full decimal while calculating and round only when the grading policy says to do so. A displayed 89.5% may round to 90% under one policy and remain below an A− threshold under another. The syllabus determines the official method.

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