How to calculate your grade
Grade % = total points earned ÷ total points possible × 100
In a points-based class, every assignment adds to both totals. A 100-point test counts five times as much as a 20-point quiz, because it adds five times as many points.
Worked example
- Quiz 1: 18 / 20
- Homework: 45 / 50
- Test 1: 82 / 100
Earned: 145 points. Possible: 170 points. Grade: 145 ÷ 170 × 100 = 85.29%, a B on a common scale.
To raise the class grade to 90% with a 100-point test still to come, you need (0.90 × 270) − 145 = 98 points, so 98%.
Common US grading scale
| Letter | Percent |
|---|
| A | 90–100 (A- from 90, A from 93, A+ from 97) |
| B | 80–89 |
| C | 70–79 |
| D | 60–69 |
| F | Below 60 |
Class uses weighted categories instead of points? Use the weighted grade calculator. Planning for a final exam? Try the final grade calculator.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my grade percentage?
Divide the points you earned by the points possible and multiply by 100. 43 out of 50 is 43 ÷ 50 × 100 = 86%.
How do I calculate a grade over several assignments?
Add up all the points you earned, add up all the points possible, then divide. This automatically gives bigger assignments more weight, which is how most points-based gradebooks work.
What if my class uses weighted categories?
If your syllabus says homework is 20%, tests 50% and so on, use the weighted grade calculator instead. It multiplies each category by its weight.
What letter grade is an 86%?
On the common US scale used here, 86% is a B. Many schools use 90–100 for an A, 80–89 for a B, 70–79 for a C and 60–69 for a D, with plus and minus grades inside each range. Your school's scale may differ.
Can I see what I need on the next assignment?
Yes. Enter the points the next assignment is worth and your target grade, and the calculator shows the score you need on it.