Points-based vs weighted grades
Points-based: every assignment is worth a number of points, and your grade is simply points earned ÷ points possible.
Example: 452 of 500 points = 90.4%.
Weighted: categories (homework, tests, final) count for a set share of the grade, no matter how many points each contains. See how weighted grades work.
Why the two give different answers
| Category | Points | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework | 190 / 200 | 95% | 20% |
| Tests | 210 / 300 | 70% | 80% |
Points-based: 400 ÷ 500 = 80%. Weighted: 95 × 0.20 + 70 × 0.80 = 75%. Same scores, different grade — so check which method your syllabus uses.
Dropped scores
If the lowest quiz is dropped, remove it before averaging the category. Quizzes of 70, 85, 90, and 95 average 85%; drop the 70 and the category becomes 90%.
Extra credit
Extra credit usually adds to points earned without adding to points possible. In a weighted class, add it inside the category it belongs to (for example, +5 points on a 100-point test turns an 82 into an 87).
FAQ
What if my weights don’t add up to 100%?
GradeCalc Lab normalizes by the total weight you enter, so you get your average on the work graded so far. Once every category is in, weights should total 100%.
How much does one zero hurt?
It depends on the category weight and how many items are in it. One 0 among ten homework assignments drops that category by 10 points; if homework is 20% of the grade, that’s about 2 points overall.
Can I calculate my grade with only some categories graded?
Yes. Enter only the graded categories. The result is your current average, which you can plug into the final exam formula.
Does GradeCalc Lab save my grades?
No. Everything runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded or stored on a server.
Which letter grade scale do you use?
A common U.S. scale (A = 93–96, A− = 90–92, etc.). See the full letter grade chart.
Related
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