How to calculate a weighted grade
In most courses, not every assignment counts equally. A final exam might be worth 25% of the grade and a quiz 5%. That is the weight. You calculate a weighted grade like this:
- Multiply each score by its weight.
- Add up those results.
- Divide by the total of all weights.
weighted grade = (score₁ × weight₁ + score₂ × weight₂ + …) / (weight₁ + weight₂ + …)
If no grade has a weight, they all count once and you get a simple average. Weights can be percentages (20, 30, 50) or points (1, 2, 3); the result is the same.
Worked example
Midway through a course you have:
- homework: 88%, worth 20% of the grade;
- midterm: 92%, worth 30%;
- project: 75%, worth 25%.
That is 88 × 20 + 92 × 30 + 75 × 25 = 1,760 + 2,760 + 1,875 = 6,395, divided by 75 (the weights so far) = 85.3%, a B on the common 90/80/70/60 scale.
What do I need on the final?
Enter your target average and the weight of the next test. The calculator works backwards to the score you need:
needed = (target × (current weights + test weight) − current total) / test weight
In the example, with a final worth 25%: to finish with at least 85% you need 84.2% on the final. To reach 90% (an A) you would need 104.2%, which is not achievable without extra credit. If the needed score is below 0, you have reached your goal whatever happens.
Letter grades
The calculator shows a letter grade on the most common US scale: A 90–100, B 80–89, C 70–79, D 60–69 and F below 60. Many schools use plus and minus grades (B+, A−) or a different cut-off, and some universities use other scales entirely, so always check your syllabus. Converting a letter grade to a GPA is a separate calculation that also depends on credit hours.
Dutch grades (1 to 10)
Studying in the Netherlands? Choose the 1 to 10 (Dutch scale). A 5.5 or higher is usually a pass, and an 8 or higher is considered very good; a 10 is rare. How grades are rounded differs between schools and programs, so check your exam regulations.
Good to know
- Weights don't need to add up to 100. The calculator divides by whatever total you enter.
- Dropped or replaced grades: if a retake replaces an earlier score, delete the old line.
- Plain averages, medians and spread of any list of numbers are in the average calculator and the standard deviation calculator.
- Test scores as a percentage: 43 out of 50 points is 86%, which you can check with the percentage calculator.
Tips for tracking your grades
Keep a simple list or spreadsheet for each course with every score and the weight from your syllabus. Paste the lines into the calculator after each test to see where you stand, so you can adjust early if a course is slipping. Check whether categories like homework are averaged first and then weighted, because that changes the result.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my weighted grade?
Multiply each score by its weight, add the results and divide by the total weight. The calculator does it for you.
What do I need on my final exam?
Enter your target grade and the weight of the final. The calculator shows the minimum score you need.
What letter grade is 85%?
A B on the common 90/80/70/60 scale. With plus and minus grades it is usually a plain B, as a B+ typically starts at 87%.
Do the weights have to add up to 100%?
No. If you have only part of your grades so far, enter the weights you have; the calculator divides by their total.
What if the needed score is above 100%?
Then you cannot reach the target with that test alone. Ask about extra credit or retakes.
Is anything stored?
No, everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is saved.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Results are estimates for information only.