What is a Grade Calculator?
A grade calculator is a free online tool designed to help students determine their academic grades based on assignment scores and their respective weights. It simplifies the process of calculating weighted averages, allowing you to see exactly where you stand in a course and what you need to achieve your academic goals.
The overall grade of a course depends on two main factors: the grade of each assignment (g) and the corresponding weight of each assignment (w). By using this tool, you can calculate your current average score based on completed assignments, determine the score needed on remaining assignments using our final grade calculator, and understand how each assignment impacts your final course grade. You can also use our GPA Calculator to track your overall academic performance across all courses.
Save Time
Calculate your grade instantly without manual math—no more spreadsheets or complex formulas.
Set Goals
Know exactly what score you need on your final exam to reach your target grade.
Track Progress
See how each assignment affects your overall grade and GPA throughout the semester.
Reduce Stress
Gain clarity on your academic standing and make informed decisions about your studies.
How to Use the Grade Calculator
Calculating Your Current Grade
- Select your grade type — Choose Percentage, Letter Grade, or Points based on how your assignments are graded
- Enter assignment names — Add descriptive names like "Midterm Exam" or "Homework 1" (optional but helpful)
- Input your grades — Enter the score you received on each assignment
- Set the weights — Enter how much each assignment counts toward your final grade (leave as 1 for equal weighting)
- Click Calculate — Your weighted average, letter grade, and GPA equivalent will appear instantly
Finding What You Need on Your Final
- Enter your current grade — This is your grade before the final exam
- Set your target grade — The overall grade you want to achieve in the course
- Input the final exam weight — What percentage of your total grade the final represents
- Calculate — See the minimum score you need on your final exam
Pro Tip: Understanding Weights
Weights indicate how important each assignment is to your final grade. If your syllabus says "Homework: 20%, Midterm: 30%, Final: 50%," enter those as your weights. If all assignments are equally weighted, simply leave the default weight of 1 for each.
How to Calculate Weighted Grades
Weighted grades give different assignments varying levels of importance. A final exam worth 40% of your grade has more impact than a homework assignment worth 10%. Here's the formula:
Example 1: Percentage Grades
Your grades:
- Homework: 85% (weight: 20%)
- Midterm: 78% (weight: 30%)
- Final Exam: 92% (weight: 50%)
Calculation:
= (17 + 23.4 + 46) ÷ 1
= 86.4% (B+)
Example 2: Letter Grades
Your grades:
- Assignment 1: A (4.0) — weight: 2
- Assignment 2: B+ (3.3) — weight: 3
- Final Project: A- (3.7) — weight: 5
Calculation:
= (8 + 9.9 + 18.5) ÷ 10
= 3.64 (A-)
Example 3: Points
Your grades:
- Quiz 1: 18 out of 20 points
- Quiz 2: 22 out of 25 points
- Test: 85 out of 100 points
Calculation:
Maximum Points = 20 + 25 + 100 = 145
Grade = 125 ÷ 145 × 100 = 86.2% (B+)
How to Calculate What You Need on Your Final
Wondering what grade you need on your final exam to pass or get an A? Use this formula:
Example: What do I need on my final?
Given:
- Current grade: 82%
- Target grade: 85% (B)
- Final exam weight: 30%
Calculation:
= (85 - 82 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30
= (85 - 57.4) ÷ 0.30
= 27.6 ÷ 0.30
= 92%
You need to score at least 92% on your final exam to achieve an 85% in the course.
Tips to Improve Your Grades
Start Early and Stay Consistent
Don't wait until the week before finals. Review material regularly throughout the semester. Even 20-30 minutes of daily review is more effective than marathon cramming sessions.
Know Your Syllabus Weights
Understand which assignments carry the most weight. If your final exam is worth 40% of your grade, prioritize preparing for it over a homework assignment worth 5%.
Set Realistic Goals
Use this calculator to set achievable targets. If you need a 110% on your final to get an A, focus on a more realistic goal like securing a B+ instead.
Ask for Help Early
If you're struggling, visit office hours, form study groups, or seek tutoring. Most professors are willing to help students who show initiative and effort.
Don't Skip Smaller Assignments
A zero on homework (even worth only 5%) hurts more than you think. These smaller assignments often provide easy points and add up over time.
Letter Grade to GPA Conversion Chart
This calculator uses the standard US grading scale. Most American colleges and universities use variations of this scale:
| Letter Grade | Percentage | GPA (4.0 Scale) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100% | 4.0 | Exceptional |
| A | 93-96% | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A- | 90-92% | 3.7 | Excellent |
| B+ | 87-89% | 3.3 | Very Good |
| B | 83-86% | 3.0 | Good |
| B- | 80-82% | 2.7 | Above Average |
| C+ | 77-79% | 2.3 | Average |
| C | 73-76% | 2.0 | Satisfactory |
| C- | 70-72% | 1.7 | Below Average |
| D+ | 67-69% | 1.3 | Poor |
| D | 63-66% | 1.0 | Barely Passing |
| D- | 60-62% | 0.7 | Minimum Passing |
| F | 0-59% | 0.0 | Failing |
Note: Some schools don't use +/- grades, and thresholds may vary. Check your institution's specific grading policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my grade with weighted percentages?
Multiply each grade by its weight, add them all together, then divide by the sum of the weights. For example: If homework (80%) is worth 30% and an exam (90%) is worth 70%, your grade is (80×0.30 + 90×0.70) = 24 + 63 = 87%.
What is a passing grade in college?
In most US colleges, a D (60-69%) is the minimum passing grade, but many programs require a C (70-76%) or higher for core courses. Graduate programs typically require a B (83%) or better. Always check your institution's specific requirements.
What's the difference between weighted and unweighted grades?
Unweighted grades treat all assignments equally—a quiz counts the same as a final exam. Weighted grades assign different importance to each assignment based on its contribution to your final grade. Most college courses use weighted grading.
How much will a 0 affect my grade?
A zero has a significant impact, especially on weighted assignments. If your final exam is worth 30% and you score a 0, your maximum possible grade drops to 70%. Always attempt every assignment, even if you can't complete it fully—partial credit is better than zero.
What grade is a 75%?
A 75% is typically a C, which is considered satisfactory and passing. On the 4.0 GPA scale, this translates to approximately 2.0. Some schools with +/- grading would classify 73-76% as a C.
How do I calculate my final exam grade to reach my target?
Use the "Final Grade Needed" tab above. Enter your current grade, your target grade, and the weight of your final exam. The calculator will determine the minimum score you need on your final to achieve your goal.
What is a good GPA?
A good GPA depends on your goals. For most undergraduate programs, a 3.0 (B average) is considered good. Competitive graduate schools often look for 3.5+. For honors programs or scholarships, aim for 3.7 or higher. The average college GPA in the US is approximately 3.1.
Can I raise my grade from a C to an A?
It depends on how much work remains and the weights involved. Use this calculator to input your current grades and see what you'd need on remaining assignments. If your final exam is worth 40% and you have a 75% (C), you'd need over 100% on the final to reach 90% (A)—which is impossible. Set realistic goals based on what's mathematically achievable.
How does this calculator handle different grading scales?
This calculator uses the standard US grading scale where A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, and F=below 60%. If your school uses a different scale, you may need to adjust your inputs accordingly.
What if my weights don't add up to 100%?
The calculator normalizes the weights automatically. Whether your weights add up to 100, 10, or any other number, the calculator will compute the correct weighted average by dividing by the sum of all weights.
How do I calculate my grade if some assignments are dropped?
Simply don't include the dropped assignments in your calculation. Only enter the assignments that will count toward your final grade.
What's the difference between GPA and weighted GPA?
Regular GPA uses a 4.0 scale where an A=4.0 for all classes. Weighted GPA adds extra points for honors, AP, or IB courses (often 0.5-1.0 extra points), so you could have a weighted GPA above 4.0. This calculator uses the standard unweighted 4.0 scale.
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