Enter points earned and points possible to get your percentage score and the matching letter grade.
From raw points to a percentage
The most basic grade calculation converts points earned into a percentage, then maps that percentage to a letter. It applies to a single quiz, a problem set, or an entire course total, as long as you know the points you earned and the points that were possible.
The letter grade attached to a percentage is a convention, not a law. The common United States scale puts an A at 90 and above, a B at 80, a C at 70, and a D at 60, but many instructors shift these cutoffs or use plus and minus bands, so treat the letter as a guide.
When different categories of work carry different weights, a simple points calculation will not capture your true standing. In that case use the final grade or grade needed calculator, which account for weighting.
The formula
Worked example
42 out of 50 = (42 / 50) x 100 = 84%, which is a B on a standard scale.
How to read your result
The letter grade uses a common U.S. scale (A 90+, B 80+, C 70+, D 60+, F below 60). Your instructor may use different cutoffs.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use this for a quiz or a whole course?
- Yes - enter total points earned and total points possible for any scope.
- Why is the letter grade approximate?
- Cutoffs vary by school and instructor; some use plus/minus, some do not.
- How do I weight categories differently?
- For weighted categories, use the Final Grade or Grade Needed calculator.
Related calculators
Letter Grade CalculatorFinal Grade CalculatorGrade Needed CalculatorGPA CalculatorAverage Calculator
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