Example data table
| Scenario | Inputs | Settings | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single test | Earned 43, Possible 50, Extra 2 | Extra boosts earned only, 2 decimals | 90.00%, Letter A, Pass at 60% |
| Questions | Correct 45, Total 50, Extra 0 | Plus/minus scheme, nearest | 90.00%, Letter A-, GPA 3.7 |
| Weighted | Quizzes 18/20 (20%), Midterm 72/80 (40%), Final 88/100 (40%) | Weights sum 100, 2 decimals | 88.00%, Letter B+ (plus/minus) |
Formula used
- Single test percent: (earned + extra) / possible × 100
- Extra affects possible: (earned + extra) / (possible + extra) × 100
- Weighted percent: Σ(component_percent × weight) / Σ(weight)
- Letter grade: chosen by comparing percent with cutoffs.
- GPA: mapped from the final letter on a 4.0 scale.
How to use this calculator
- Select Single test or Weighted components.
- Enter earned and possible values, plus any extra credit.
- Pick a grading scheme or enter your custom cutoffs.
- Set decimals, rounding, and your pass threshold.
- Press Calculate Grade to see results above.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF in the results panel.
Test Grade Calculator Guide
1) What the percentage tells you
Your score becomes a percentage so different tests stay comparable. For a single test, the calculator uses earned points divided by points possible, then multiplies by 100. A result like 43 out of 50 equals 86%, which is easier to interpret than raw points. It also shows missed points for quick review.
2) Points mode vs questions mode
Points mode fits exams with partial credit, essays, or rubrics. Questions mode fits multiple‑choice or short answers. In questions mode, correct answers act like earned points and total questions act like possible points, so 45 correct out of 50 becomes 90% instantly.
3) Extra credit and why it matters
Extra credit can change outcomes near a cutoff. If extra boosts earned only, it raises your numerator without changing possible points. If you tick “extra credit also increases points possible,” both numerator and denominator rise, which fits tests where bonus points were added to the total.
4) Weighted components for full courses
Use weighted components when quizzes, midterms, labs, and finals contribute different shares. Each component gets its own percent and weight. The overall percent is the weighted average: sum(component percent × weight) divided by the sum of weights. If weights do not total 100, the calculator normalizes by the weight sum automatically.
5) Rounding and decimal precision
Small rounding differences can flip a letter grade at boundaries like 89.95% vs 90.00%. Choose 0–4 decimals and pick rounding: nearest, down, or up. For strict policies, “down” prevents accidental inflation; for generous policies, “up” can match instructor rules.
6) Letter grades and GPA mapping
The tool supports simple A–F and plus/minus scales, plus custom cutoffs. A common plus/minus pattern is A− at 90, B+ at 87, and C− at 70. After the letter is chosen, GPA is mapped on a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, F = 0.0).
7) Pass thresholds and exports
Set a pass threshold (default 60%) for quick pass/fail checks alongside the letter grade. When you need records, export results to CSV for spreadsheets or download the PDF summary for printing or sharing. Save exports to compare retakes and track progress across terms without rebuilding calculations each time.
FAQs
Can I calculate a grade using correct answers only?
Yes. Choose Questions mode, enter correct and total questions, then calculate. The tool converts correct/total into a percentage and applies your selected letter scale and rounding.
What if my weights do not add up to 100?
That’s fine. The calculator divides by the sum of weights, so it normalizes automatically. Your overall percent still reflects each component’s relative importance.
How should I enter extra credit?
Enter extra points in the Extra field. If extra points were added to the test total, enable the option that also increases points possible; otherwise leave it off so extra only boosts earned.
Can I use my own letter cutoffs?
Yes. Pick a custom scheme and enter your cutoff percentages. Keep higher grades at higher numbers to match typical grading policies and avoid unexpected results.
Why did my letter grade change after rounding?
Letter grades use your final rounded percentage. Near boundaries, a small change can cross a cutoff. Try more decimals or choose a different rounding method if your policy requires it.
What is included in the CSV and PDF exports?
Both exports include your percent, letter grade, GPA, totals, and settings. Weighted mode also lists each component’s earned, possible, extra, weight, and percent for auditing.