Grade Calculator

This Grade Calculator helps you estimate your current overall percentage using two common grading methods: Category Weights (like Homework/Quizzes/Exams) and Points-Based grading (earned points out of possible points). You can also plan ahead with an optional Target Grade panel to estimate what score you need on remaining work.

Use Category Weights when your syllabus specifies percentages for each group. Use Points-Based when your grade is mostly based on total points. For more tools, you can browse All Calculators or explore the Education Calculators hub.

Everything runs locally in your browser, so your data stays on your device. This calculator shows a clear breakdown so you can understand exactly how the grade estimate was produced.

Calculator
Recommended: Add categories (Homework, Quizzes, Exams). Enter each category’s weight (%) and score (%). If weights don’t total 100, enable Auto-normalize to scale them safely.
Auto-normalize weights (scale any positive weights to total 100%)
Target Grade (Goal Planning)

Enter a target overall % and how much of your grade is still remaining. The calculator will estimate the score you need on the remaining work. This feature supports both modes.

Tip: In Category Weights mode, “remaining” is the remaining weight % (1–100). In Points-Based mode, “remaining” is remaining possible points (>0).

How It Works

There are two widely used grading systems, and this calculator supports both. In Category Weights mode, your overall grade is a weighted average of category scores. In Points-Based mode, your overall grade is based on total earned points divided by total possible points (optionally adjusted by multipliers).

Category Weights formula

Overall% = Σ(weightᵢ × scoreᵢ) ÷ 100

Each category contributes proportionally to its weight. If your categories do not sum to 100%, you can either correct them or enable Auto-normalize, which scales the weights to total 100% while showing the normalized values in the breakdown.

Points-Based formula

Overall% = (Σ earned ÷ Σ possible) × 100

If you use multipliers, each assignment’s earned and possible points are multiplied before summing. Extra credit can be represented by earned points exceeding possible points when enabled.

Quick Tips

  • Use Category Weights when your syllabus lists percentages for Homework/Quizzes/Exams.
  • Use Points-Based when your grade is mostly “points out of points.”
  • If weights don’t equal 100, enable Auto-normalize to avoid manual rebalancing.
  • Recalculate after big updates (new exam score, new project grade) to stay accurate.
  • If your LMS uses hidden rules (drops, curves), compare results as an estimate and note differences.

Common Mistakes

  • Entering weights that don’t sum to 100% while Auto-normalize is turned off.
  • Mixing points and percentages in the same mode without converting properly.
  • Using category scores that already include a final exam twice.
  • Forgetting to include major categories (like labs or participation) that carry weight.
  • Relying on rounded category scores instead of precise values (when available).

Use Cases

  • Track your course progress throughout the semester with realistic updates.
  • Plan what score you need on a final exam using the Target Grade panel.
  • Check scholarship or program eligibility thresholds (e.g., maintaining an A or B average).
  • Run “what-if” scenarios to see which category improvements matter most.
  • Verify whether your LMS grade seems reasonable based on published weights or points.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Weighted categories

Homework 30% at 92, Quizzes 20% at 85, Exams 50% at 78.

Overall% = (30×92 + 20×85 + 50×78) ÷ 100 = (2760 + 1700 + 3900) ÷ 100 = 83.60%

Letter grade using the default scale: B.

Example 2: Points-based

Assignments total earned = 410 points, total possible = 500 points.

Overall% = (410 ÷ 500) × 100 = 82.00%

Letter grade: B.

Example 3: Target grade scenario

Your current overall is 84%, and 30% of the grade remains. You want 90% overall.

Required% = (Target − Current×(1−Remaining)) ÷ Remaining

Required% = (90 − 84×0.70) ÷ 0.30 = (90 − 58.8) ÷ 0.30 = 104.00%

This indicates you may need extra credit, reweighted categories, or a revised target.

FAQ

What’s the difference between weighted and unweighted grades?
A weighted grade uses category percentages (like Exams 50%, Homework 30%, Quizzes 20%) so each category contributes based on its importance. An unweighted grade treats every item equally, usually by points. If your course outline lists category weights, the weighted method is typically the best match. If your gradebook is simply “total points earned out of total points possible,” the points-based method is more accurate. This calculator supports both so you can choose the method that fits your syllabus.
Should I use points or percentages for accuracy?
Use points if your class grade is determined by total earned points divided by total possible points, because that mirrors how grades are tallied. Use percentages when your teacher provides category weights and you know each category’s current percentage score. Points-based grading is often more precise because it can represent every assignment individually. Weighted categories are more convenient when you only know category averages. If your LMS shows category breakdowns, either method can work depending on how the course is configured.
How does this calculator handle extra credit?
In Points-Based mode, you can enable the extra credit toggle to allow earned points to exceed possible points. That mirrors extra credit entries where you receive bonus points. When extra credit is enabled, the calculator will include the larger earned value in the totals, which can push your overall percentage upward. In Category Weights mode, extra credit is usually reflected in the category score itself, so you would enter the updated category percentage. The breakdown will clearly show totals so you can verify the effect.
What if my category weights don’t add up to 100%?
If weights do not total 100%, you have two options. First, correct the weights to match your syllabus so the sum is exactly 100%. Second, enable Auto-normalize weights. Auto-normalize scales all positive weights so they sum to 100% internally, and the breakdown will show the normalized weights used in the calculation. Auto-normalize is useful when you want a quick estimate without manually adjusting numbers, but it’s best to confirm the final weights with your course policy if available.
How do final exams affect my overall grade?
A final exam typically has a large weight, either as its own category or within an Exams category. To model this, add a category for the final exam or update the Exams category score once you have the exam result. If you are planning ahead, use the Target Grade panel and set the remaining weight to the portion of the grade that is still unscored. The required score output helps you estimate what you need. Keep in mind some instructors apply policies like drops or curves, which can change outcomes.
Why might my result differ from my LMS?
Learning management systems sometimes apply additional rules: dropped lowest scores, assignment groups with hidden items, extra credit settings, or rounding at each step. This calculator rounds for display only and computes with full precision internally, but your LMS might round category averages earlier in the process. Another common difference is how missing assignments are treated. Use the step-by-step breakdown here to compare assumptions. If your LMS uses special rules, adjust inputs to match what the LMS is doing for a closer estimate.
How often should I recalculate my grade?
Recalculate whenever you receive a major score update, like an exam, project, or a new set of assignments that changes your averages. Early in the term, small changes can swing the estimate because fewer graded items exist, so recalculating can help you stay realistic. Mid-term and later, recalculating after big categories update is usually enough. If you’re planning for a target grade, recalculate as soon as you know the remaining weight more precisely. Regular updates help you avoid surprises at the end.
How does the calculator convert percent to letter grade?
This calculator uses a common default scale: A is 90–100, B is 80–89.99, C is 70–79.99, D is 60–69.99, and F is below 60. The letter grade is assigned using the unrounded computed percentage to avoid threshold issues caused by display rounding. For example, 89.995% may display as 90.00% but would still be evaluated carefully using full precision. If your school uses plus/minus grades or different cutoffs, treat this as a baseline reference.
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Trust & Notes

Accuracy & method: Runs locally in your browser; no data is sent to any server. This estimate follows standard weighted-average and points-based grading formulas.

Rounding policy: Percentages are displayed to 2 decimals, but calculations use full precision. Letter grade thresholds use the unrounded percentage for consistent cutoffs.

Privacy-first: Your entries stay on your device and can be cleared instantly with Reset.

Last Updated: January 18, 2026

Sources & References:

  • Common academic grading methods (weighted averages and points-based systems)
  • Typical letter-grade percentage thresholds used by many schools
  • General best practices for transparent grade calculations and breakdowns
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