How to Calculate Your Class Grade

Last updated: October 13, 2026

Your class grade is the share of the available points you have earned so far. This guide shows how it is worked out, with an example you can check by hand. If you want to calculate your grade quickly, paste your gradebook into the grade calculator and the table fills in on its own.

Step 0: Find out how your class is graded

The method depends on the grading system, so look at your syllabus first. Most classes use one of three:

Total points. Every assignment has points and the grade is points earned over points possible. This page covers that method.
Weighted categories. Categories such as homework and exams each count for a percentage. See how to calculate a weighted grade.
Percentage-based gradebooks. Common in college. Each category has a weight and each assignment has a percentage. The college calculator is built for it.

Points-based grading

Add up every point you earned, add up every point that was possible, divide earned by possible, and multiply by 100. Only count assignments that have been graded.

Class grade = points earned ÷ points possible × 100

Example: you scored 18 out of 20, 45 out of 50 and 88 out of 100.

Points earned: 18 + 45 + 88 = 151
Points possible: 20 + 50 + 100 = 170
151 ÷ 170 = 0.888, so your grade is 88.8%

Do not average the percentages

Bigger assignments are worth more points, so averaging percentages gives the wrong answer. In the example above the percentages are 90%, 90% and 88%, which average to 89.3%. The correct grade is 88.8%, because the 100-point assignment counts for more than the other two. For more on this, see how to calculate your average grade.

Turn your percentage into a letter grade

Once you have the percentage, match it to your school’s scale. On a common scale, 88.8% is a B. The letter grade scale has the full chart, and your syllabus has the final word on cutoffs.

Things that can change the result

Ungraded assignments. They are not counted until a score is entered, so your grade can move a lot when a large assignment is graded.
Zeros. A missing assignment scored as zero counts as 0 points earned out of the points possible.
Dropped scores. If your syllabus drops the lowest quiz, leave that score out before you calculate.
Extra credit. It usually adds to the points you earned without adding to the points possible. If you earn 5 extra credit points in the example above, 156 ÷ 170 = 91.8%. Check your syllabus.
Rounding. Teachers round differently, so your syllabus is the final word on cutoffs like 89.5%.

Quick checklist

Confirm the grading system in the syllabus.
List every graded assignment with points earned and points possible.
Remove anything the syllabus says is dropped.
Add the totals and divide.
Compare the result with your teacher’s gradebook. A gap usually means a missing, dropped or weighted item.

Skip the math

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.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate my grade in a class?

Add up the points you earned, add up the points possible for the graded assignments, divide earned by possible and multiply by 100. If your class uses weighted categories, use the weighted grade formula instead.

Why is my calculated grade different from the gradebook?

The usual causes are dropped scores, weighted categories, extra credit or an assignment that has not been entered yet. Check the syllabus for each of these.

Do missing assignments count against my grade?

Often yes. Many teachers enter a missing assignment as a zero, which adds to the points possible without adding to the points earned.

What grade do I need to pass?

Check your syllabus for the passing cutoff, which is often 60%. Then use the what-if method or the final grade calculator to see which scores get you there.

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