Grade Calculator

Formula or method

Score percent = Points earned ÷ Points possible × 100. Target comparison uses the exact entered decimals: compare Points earned × 100 with Points possible × Target percent. Greater than or equal to the target is “At or above target grade”; otherwise it is “Below target grade”. Display rounding does not affect this comparison.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter nonnegative Points earned and positive Points possible. Fractional points and extra-credit scores above the possible points are allowed.
2. Enter Target percent from 0 to 100. All three fields must contain finite numbers. Starting values are 25 earned, 200 possible, and a 50% target.
3. Read Result as a percentage and Calculation as a comparison to your target. The result updates as you type; no grading scale is selected.

Worked example

With 45 earned points out of 60 possible, score = 45 ÷ 60 × 100 = 75%. A target of 75 says “At or above target grade”; a target of 80 says “Below target grade”. The starting 25 out of 200 yields 12.5%, below the 50% target.

Understanding the result

A 105 out of 100 extra-credit score is 105%, not capped at 100%. Target comparison happens before display rounding: 79.999% can display as 80% while still being below an 80% target.

Limitations and assumptions

• Does not calculate weighted categories, required final-exam scores, letter grades, curves, GPA, or institution-specific pass rules.
• To combine assignments under a total-points scheme, add earned points and possible points separately. Do not average percentages unless each assignment carries equal weight.
• Percentages show at most two fractional digits; very small nonzero percentages use scientific notation. Inputs or ratios outside finite numeric range are rejected.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• OpenStax Prealgebra 2e: percent as a ratio per hundred