How to calculate weighted grades

The weighted-grade formula

A category with a larger weight affects the course grade more. Use each category's average score as a percentage, not its total raw points. When weights total 100%, divide the weighted sum by 100.

Weighted grade = Σ(score × weight) ÷ Σ(weights)

Worked example: tests and homework

Tests: 90 × 60 = 5,400. Homework: 70 × 40 = 2,800. Add them to get 8,200, then divide by 100. The overall grade is 82%. A simple average would be 80%, which ignores the greater test weight.

What if the weights do not add to 100%?

Best Grade normalizes the positive weights you enter. Its sample homework score of 92 at weight 20, quiz score of 85 at weight 30, and test score of 78 at weight 50 produce 82.90%. If you only include homework and quizzes, their weights total 50 and the normalized average is 87.80%. That represents those included categories, not necessarily your eventual final grade.

An ungraded category is not a zero

If a category has no graded work, your gradebook may exclude it temporarily. Remove it from the calculation if that matches the course policy. If you actually received a zero, keep a score of 0 with its real weight. Best Grade includes zero scores when their weights are positive; a zero weight does not affect the average.

Plan for the final exam

Once you know your pre-final course average, use the final grade calculator with the exam's share of the whole course. Do not count the final both inside your current average and again as a separate exam weight. Check the syllabus for dropped assignments, category rounding, and other exceptions.