Weighted Grade Calculator

Calculate your final course grade with weighted categories. Enter scores and weights for tests, homework, projects, and more to see your overall grade.

How many weighted categories (Tests, Homework, etc.)

All weights should sum to 100%

Weighted Grade Formula:\n\nFinal Grade = Σ(Category Score × Category Weight) / Σ(Weights)\n\nFor each category:\nContribution = Score × (Weight / Total Weight)\n\nFinal Grade = Sum of all contributions\n\nLetter Grades (standard scale):\nA+: 97-100%, A: 93-96%, A-: 90-92%\nB+: 87-89%, B: 83-86%, B-: 80-82%\nC+: 77-79%, C: 73-76%, C-: 70-72%\nD+: 67-69%, D: 63-66%, D-: 60-62%\nF: 0-59%
Example:\nTests: 85% (50% weight)\nHomework: 95% (30% weight)\nProjects: 90% (20% weight)\n\nCalculation:\n• Tests: 85 × 0.50 = 42.50 points\n• Homework: 95 × 0.30 = 28.50 points\n• Projects: 90 × 0.20 = 18.00 points\n\nFinal Grade = 42.50 + 28.50 + 18.00 = 89.00%\nLetter Grade: B+\n\nTo reach A (93%):\nNeed 89.00 + 4.00 = 93.00%\nRequires improving highest-weight category (tests)

How do weighted grades work?

Weighted grades assign different importance to assignment categories. Example: Tests 50%, Homework 30%, Projects 20%. Your final grade = (Test avg × 0.50) + (HW avg × 0.30) + (Projects × 0.20). If you score 85% on tests, 95% on homework, 90% on projects: (85 × 0.50) + (95 × 0.30) + (90 × 0.20) = 42.5 + 28.5 + 18 = 89% final grade. Higher weight categories impact grade more.

What is the difference between weighted and unweighted grades?

Unweighted: All assignments count equally. 10 assignments average = sum/10, regardless of type. Weighted: Categories have different values. A 100% on 10% homework helps less than 90% on 50% final exam. Example unweighted: 5 tests at 80% + 5 HW at 100% = 90% average. Weighted (tests 70%, HW 30%): (80 × 0.70) + (100 × 0.30) = 86%. Weighted more accurately reflects course priorities.

How do I calculate what I need on my final exam?

Formula: Required Final = (Desired Grade - Current Weighted Grade × (1 - Final Weight)) / Final Weight. Example: Current grade 82%, final worth 30%, want 85% overall. Required = (85 - 82 × 0.70) / 0.30 = (85 - 57.4) / 0.30 = 92%. You need 92% on final to get 85% overall. If final is worth more (40%), you need: (85 - 82 × 0.60) / 0.40 = 88.5%.

Can weighted grades give me over 100%?

Yes, with extra credit! If you score 105% in a 40% category and 95% in 60% category: (105 × 0.40) + (95 × 0.60) = 42 + 57 = 99%. Some teachers cap at 100%, others allow 105%+. Weighted honors/AP classes in GPA use different scale: honors +0.5, AP +1.0. So AP grade of 90% (B) = 4.0 GPA instead of 3.0, enabling >4.0 weighted GPA for college admissions.

What are common weight distributions for classes?

Common distributions: Traditional: Tests 60%, Homework 20%, Quizzes 20%. College: Exams 50%, Projects 25%, Participation 10%, Final 15%. STEM: Tests 50%, Labs 30%, Homework 20%. Humanities: Essays 40%, Exams 30%, Participation 20%, Homework 10%. AP Classes: Semester work 50%, AP exam 50%. Always check syllabus - distributions vary widely by teacher/course level.

How do I raise my grade when tests are weighted heavily?

Focus on high-weight categories. If tests are 70% and you have 75% test average, improving tests to 85% raises grade by 7 points (10% × 0.70). Improving 80% homework (20% weight) to 100% only adds 4 points (20% × 0.20). Strategy: 1) Prioritize studying for tests. 2) Max out low-weight categories (easy points). 3) Ask about extra credit on high-weight items. 4) Request test corrections/retakes if offered. Small test improvements = big grade impact.

What if my teacher drops the lowest grade?

Calculate category average excluding lowest score. Example: Test scores 75, 85, 88, 92, 95 (drop lowest). Average = (85 + 88 + 92 + 95) / 4 = 90%, not 87%. Then apply weight: 90% × 0.50 = 45 points toward final. Dropping lowest helps most when: you have one bad grade (75 vs others 90+), fewer assignments (drops 1 of 5 vs 1 of 20). Strategic: If current lowest is 80%, might skip studying for minor quiz if it wouldn't become new lowest.