What is a Grade Calculator?

A Grade Calculator, specifically a weighted grade calculator, is a tool designed to help students determine their overall grade in a course based on the scores and weights of various assignments, quizzes, exams, and projects. Most courses don't weigh all assignments equally (e.g., a final exam is usually worth more than a homework assignment), so a simple average doesn't work. This calculator accounts for those different weights.

By entering the weight (as a percentage of the total grade) and your score (also as a percentage) for each component, the calculator computes your current weighted average percentage and often provides a corresponding letter grade based on a standard scale. It's useful for tracking your progress, understanding how different assignments impact your final grade, and identifying what scores you might need on future work.

How Does This Calculator Work?

This Weighted Grade Calculator uses the following steps:

• Input Rows: You can add rows for each assignment, test, category, or component of your course grade. For each row, you enter:
  • Name (Optional): A description for your reference (e.g., "Midterm Exam", "Homework Average").
  • Weight (%): How much this component contributes to the final grade (e.g., 20 for 20%).
  • Grade (%): Your score on that component, expressed as a percentage (e.g., if you got 45 out of 50 points, enter 90 for 90%).
  Use the "+ Add" button to create more rows and the "×" button to remove rows.
• Validation: When you click "Calculate", the tool checks if the entered weights and grades are valid numbers (typically between 0 and 100, though grades might sometimes exceed 100 with extra credit). It also calculates the sum of the weights entered.
• Weighted Score Calculation: For each valid row, it multiplies the grade percentage by the weight percentage: Score Contribution = Grade (%) × Weight (%).
• Summation: It sums up all the score contributions and also sums up all the weights entered: Total Weighted Score = Sum of (Grade × Weight), Total Weight = Sum of Weights.
• Final Percentage Calculation: It divides the Total Weighted Score by the Total Weight to find the overall weighted average percentage:
  Weighted Average (%) = [ Sum of (Grade × Weight) ] / [ Sum of Weights ]
• Letter Grade Conversion: The calculated percentage is converted to a letter grade using a standard scale (e.g., 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, etc.).
• Display: The results area shows the Total Weight entered (useful for checking if it adds up to 100%), the final Weighted Average Percentage, and the estimated Letter Grade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What if my weights don't add up to 100%?
  This calculator will still calculate your grade based on the weights you *have* entered. The "Total Weight (%)" result will show you the sum. If it's less than 100%, the calculated percentage represents your grade based *only* on the components entered. This is useful for tracking your grade mid-semester *before* all components (like the final exam) are completed.
• How do I enter grades that are points (e.g., 45/50)?
  You need to convert the points score into a percentage first. Divide the score you received by the total possible points and multiply by 100. For example, (45 / 50) * 100 = 90. Enter 90 into the "Grade (%)" field.
• What if I haven't received a grade for an assignment yet?
  You have two options: 1. **Omit the row:** Don't include that assignment in the calculation. The result will be your grade based *only* on completed work (ensure the Total Weight reflects this). 2. **Estimate a grade:** Enter a grade you expect to receive to see how it impacts your overall average.
• What letter grade scale does this calculator use?
  This calculator typically uses a standard US grading scale: 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, Below 60% = F. Note that specific schools or instructors may use different scales (+/- grades, different percentage cutoffs).
• Is this the same as a GPA calculator?
  No. This calculator determines your percentage/letter grade within a *single course*. A GPA (Grade Point Average) calculator averages the grades (usually on a 4.0 scale) across *multiple courses*, often weighted by credit hours.
• Is my data saved?
  No. This tool runs entirely in your browser. No assignment names, weights, or grades are saved or transmitted anywhere.
• Is this Grade Calculator free?
  Yes, this tool is completely free to use.