Calculator
Use summary inputs for a quick score, or enable section breakdown for detailed tracking.
Example data table
| Attempt | Total | Correct | Wrong | Blank | Points/correct | Penalty/wrong | Scaled max | Time taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 | 34 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 0.25 | 100 | 55 min |
| 2 | 50 | 38 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0.25 | 100 | 45 min |
| 3 | 50 | 41 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0.25 | 100 | 48 min |
| 4 | 50 | 43 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0.25 | 100 | 44 min |
| 5 | 50 | 45 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0.25 | 100 | 42 min |
Formula used
- Attempted = Correct + Wrong
- Raw Score = (Correct × PointsPerCorrect) − (Wrong × PenaltyPerWrong)
- Max Raw = TotalQuestions × PointsPerCorrect
- Percentage = (Raw Score ÷ Max Raw) × 100
- Scaled Score = (Raw Score ÷ Max Raw) × MaxScaledScore
- Accuracy = (Correct ÷ Attempted) × 100
- Questions per minute = Attempted ÷ TimeTakenMinutes
- Weighted mode: overall scaled = weighted average of section scaled scores
How to use this calculator
- Enter your totals, or enable section breakdown for details.
- Set points per correct and penalty per wrong to match your test.
- Add max scaled score if your exam uses scaled scoring.
- Optionally add a target score to estimate the remaining gap.
- Enter time taken and allowed to review pacing and efficiency.
- Press Calculate to view results above, then download CSV or PDF.
Interpreting raw versus scaled results
Your raw score summarizes performance using correct answers minus any wrong-answer penalty. The calculator also shows percentage and an optional scaled score, which normalizes results to a fixed maximum such as 100 or 200. This makes trends easier to read across different practice sets, especially when you switch from a 40-question drill to a 60-question full section.
Why penalties change strategy
With no penalty, guessing can raise your score because every attempt has upside. When a penalty exists, the expected value of a random guess depends on answer choices. For example, with four choices and a 0.25 penalty, a blind guess breaks even on average. Tracking wrong answers helps you decide when to eliminate options, skip, or spend extra time to increase confidence.
Accuracy and pacing as performance drivers
Accuracy measures correct answers divided by attempted questions, separating knowledge from volume. Pacing uses questions per minute and time usage, showing whether you are rushing or leaving points unused. If your accuracy stays stable, raising attempts by just five questions on a 50-question test can move the scaled score by roughly 10% of the remaining gap. Use time taken and allowed to test different pacing plans.
Section breakdown for targeted practice
Many exams reward balanced skills across domains. Section mode lets you log totals, correct, wrong, and blanks per section, then apply optional weights to reflect emphasis, such as writing 1.5× and math 1.0×. A weighted scaled average shows how a weak section can cap the overall score, even if another section is excellent. This view helps you prioritize high-impact topics and reduce repeated error types.
Using targets to plan the next attempt
A target scaled score turns results into an action plan. The calculator estimates the gap to your target and the approximate extra correct answers needed, assuming wrong and blank rates remain similar. Combine that estimate with a review log: note question type, why the error happened, and the fix you will apply. Over multiple attempts, aim for fewer repeated mistakes and steadier pacing under timed conditions. Recalculate after each session to confirm improvement and to adjust your study schedule based on evidence weekly.
FAQs
How is the scaled score calculated?
Scaled score equals (raw score ÷ max raw) × max scaled score. In section mode, overall scaled score is the weighted average of section scaled scores.
What should I enter for penalty per wrong?
Use the exam rule, such as 0.25 or 0.33. If your exam has no negative marking, set the penalty to 0 to evaluate pure accuracy and speed.
Why does my scaled score not match an official report?
Official exams may apply curved scaling or item difficulty adjustments. This calculator provides a consistent linear estimate to track progress between practice attempts.
How do blanks affect results?
Blanks reduce attempted questions and can lower the score indirectly by limiting raw points. Track blanks to see whether timing, confidence, or strategy is the cause.
What does “Estimated extra correct needed” mean?
It approximates how many additional correct answers would close the target gap, assuming your future wrong and blank rates remain similar and scoring rules do not change.
How should I use section weights?
Increase the weight for sections that matter more on your exam. If all sections count equally, keep weights the same to reflect a simple average.