How the Test Grade Calculator Works
This tool converts raw points into a percentage score and a letter grade using the standard formula taught in most US classrooms: divide the points you earned (plus any bonus or extra-credit points) by the total points possible, then multiply by 100. It then looks up that percentage on either a standard five-band scale or a plus/minus scale to report a letter grade, and shows how many additional points would move you into the next grade band.
The formula
- Percentage score = (points earned + bonus points) ÷ total points possible × 100
- Points missed = total points possible − points earned
- Points to next grade = (next grade's minimum percentage ÷ 100 × total points possible) − (points earned + bonus points)
For example, a student who earns 42 points out of 50 possible, with no bonus, scores 42 / 50 × 100 = 84.0%, which is a B on the standard scale (80-89%). Adding 2 bonus points raises the score to 44 / 50 × 100 = 88.0%, still a B, with about 1.00 point remaining to reach the 90% needed for an A.
Standard letter grade scale
This calculator defaults to the common US 10-point scale: A is 90-100%, B is 80-89%, C is 70-79%, D is 60-69%, and F is below 60%. A plus/minus option is also available, splitting each letter into narrower 3-4 point bands (for example B- 80-82%, B 83-86%, B+ 87-89%). Grading scales are set by individual instructors and institutions, so treat these as a widely used convention, not a universal rule — always check your syllabus for the exact cutoffs that apply to your class.
How to get the best results
- Enter the total points the test (or assignment) was graded out of, not the number of questions, if partial credit or point-weighted questions were used.
- Only include bonus or extra-credit points that were actually awarded to you, not the maximum possible bonus.
- If your instructor rounds borderline scores (for example, 89.5% rounds up to 90%), apply that rounding rule yourself after reading the exact percentage here.