Grade Percentage Calculator
Points in, percent out.
A grade percentage is points earned divided by points possible, times 100. Scoring 42 out of 50 gives 84 percent. When assignments have different point totals, convert each to a percent first, then combine them with the weighted-grade method rather than adding raw points.
The basic conversion
Divide points earned by points possible and multiply by 100. That is the entire formula, and it works for any assignment, quiz, or exam.
A 42 out of 50 is 84 percent. A 17 out of 20 is 85 percent. The percent lets you compare assignments that had different point totals.
Combining different point totals
Do not add raw points across assignments with different totals unless the syllabus weights by points. Convert each to a percent first, then weight them by the syllabus weights.
Example: a 42/50 quiz (84 percent) at 20 percent weight and a 170/200 exam (85 percent) at 80 percent weight give (84x20 + 85x80)/100 = 84.8 percent.
Percent to letter
The common scale is A at 90+, B at 80+, C at 70+, D at 60+, F below 60, but instructors vary. Some use plus/minus bands, some curve, and some set different cutoffs entirely.
Always check the syllabus scale before translating. An 89.4 is an A under a 90 cutoff only if there is no rounding rule hiding in the fine print.
Skip the arithmetic
Convert your points on the calculator.
Grade percentage questions
How do I turn points into a grade percentage?
Points earned divided by points possible, times 100. A 42 out of 50 is 84 percent. This works for any assignment regardless of its point total.
Is 84% a B?
On the standard scale where B starts at 80, 84 percent is a B. With plus/minus grading it is often a B. Your syllabus scale is the final word.
Can I average percents directly?
A straight average of percents is correct only when every assignment has equal weight. With different weights, multiply each percent by its weight first, then divide by total weight.