Grade Calculator
Use this calculator to find the weighted average grade for a course. It also can calculate the grade needed on remaining assignments to get a desired overall grade.
Weighted Grade Calculator
Final Grade Calculator
Quickly calculate the grade you need on your final exam.
Demystifying the Weighted Grade System
Understanding how your final grade is calculated is the first step toward academic success. Unlike a simple average where every assignment counts equally, a weighted grade calculator accounts for the fact that a final exam usually "weighs" far more than a weekly quiz. This tool empowers you to see exactly where you stand and what you need to achieve your goals.
The Math Behind Weighted Averages
In a weighted system, every assignment category (e.g., Homework, Quizzes, Exams) is assigned a percentage of the total grade. To calculate your current standing, you multiply your average score in each category by its weight, then sum these values. For example, if Exams are worth 50% and you have an average of 80, your exams contribute 40 points (80 * 0.50) to your final grade. This complexity is why manual calculation is prone to errors, and why this calculator is essential.
Strategic Grade Planning: The "What If" Scenario
The "Final Grade Planning" section of this tool is designed for strategy. It answers the classic student question: "What do I need on the final to get an A?" By inputting your current weighted average and the weight of the remaining final exam, you can calculate the exact threshold for success. This helps in prioritizing study time—if you need a 105% on the final to get an A, but only a 65% to keep a B, you might reallocate study hours to a class where the grade boundary is more attainable.
Letter Grades vs. Percentage Grades
While this calculator works primarily with percentages, many syllabi use letter grades. We've included a conversion table based on the standard 4.0 scale (A = 95, B = 85, etc.). However, be aware that grading scales vary by institution. Some professors treat an 89.5 as an A-, while others strictly require a 90.0. Always consult your specific course syllabus for the definitive scale.
Common Grading Categories
Most college courses break down grades into four key areas:
- Participation (5-10%): Often the easiest points to earn. Simply showing up and engaging can be the difference between a B+ and an A-.
- Homework/Labs (15-25%): These are practice for the big exams. While individual assignments seem small, collectively they form a quarter of your grade.
- Midterms (20-30%): Major checkpoints to assess understanding.
- Final Exam (25-40%): The cumulative assessment that often determines the final letter grade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If your weights sum to less than 100% (e.g., you've only completed 70% of the course work so far), your "current grade" is calculated based on the work completed. It effectively rescales the weights to equal 100%. If they sum to more than 100%, check your syllabus—there may be bonus points or an error in your input.
Yes. While AP/Honors classes often have "weighted GPAs" (where an A is worth 5.0 instead of 4.0), the percentage calculation within the class remains the same. Use this tool to find your percentage average (e.g., 92%), which your school then converts to a GPA point value.
It depends on the weight. A zero on a homework assignment worth 1% of your grade is negligible (lowering a 95 to 94). A zero on a midterm worth 20% is catastrophic (lowering a 95 to 76). This tool helps you visualize that impact.
Once you have your final percentage (e.g., 88%), compare it to your school's grading scale to find the Letter Grade (e.g., B+). Then convert that letter to a GPA point (e.g., 3.3) using the standard 4.0 scale. We have a dedicated GPA Calculator tool for combining these points across multiple classes.