How to Calculate Your Average Grade
Last updated: October 13, 2026
The simplest way to find an average grade is to add up your scores and divide by how many there are. That works in some situations and gives the wrong answer in others. This guide shows both, and how to update your average when a new grade comes in.
The simple average
Average = sum of scores ÷ number of scores
Example: 92, 85, 78 and 88. Added together they make 343. 343 ÷ 4 = 85.75.
This is the arithmetic mean, and it is what most people mean by “average.” It is fine for a quick check, as long as every score counts equally.
When it works
A simple average is right when every score counts equally, for example four quizzes that are each out of the same number of points.
When it does not
If assignments are worth different numbers of points, a bigger one should count for more. Example: 10 out of 10 on a quiz and 40 out of 80 on a test.
- Averaging the percentages: (100% + 50%) ÷ 2 = 75%
- Using points: 50 ÷ 90 = 55.6%
The points-based answer is the right one, because the test was worth far more. See how to calculate your grade in a class.
If your class has weighted categories, use the weighted grade method instead.
How a new score changes your average
When you have a running average and a new grade comes in, you do not need to start over.
New average = (old average × number of scores + new score) ÷ (number of scores + 1)
Example: you have four scores averaging 85, and the next one is a 95. (85 × 4 + 95) ÷ 5 = 435 ÷ 5 = 87.
To find the score you need to reach a target average, rearrange it: needed score = target × (number of scores + 1) − old average × number of scores. To move that 85 average to an 86, you need 86 × 5 − 340 = 90.
Mean, median and mode
Teachers almost always report the mean. The median, the middle score once you sort them, is less affected by one very low grade. For scores of 95, 92, 90 and 20, the mean is 74.25 and the median is 91. If you have one outlier and your teacher drops it or replaces it, the mean will recover quickly.
Average across classes
To average grades across different classes, use a GPA. It counts each class by its credit hours. See how to calculate your GPA.
Average of letter grades
You cannot add letters, but you can convert them to grade points first. An A, a B and a C are 4, 3 and 2, which average to 3.0, a B. Use the letter grade scale to convert if your school uses plus and minus grades.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate an average grade?
Add up all your scores and divide by the number of scores. For 92, 85, 78 and 88, the total is 343 and the average is 343 ÷ 4 = 85.75.
Is averaging percentages the same as using total points?
Only when every assignment is worth the same number of points. If points differ, divide total points earned by total points possible instead.
How do I raise my average grade?
Work out the score you need on the next assignment, or the next several, using the new average formula. A big assignment raises the average faster than a small one, so focus on the ones worth the most.
Calculate it automatically
Paste your gradebook into Grade Calculator and the table fills in on its own. Change any score, or add an upcoming assignment, to see your class grade update.