What Is a Points-Based Grade?
Many courses use a points-based grading system where every assignment, quiz, project, and exam is worth a set number of points. Your final grade is simply the total points you earned divided by the total points possible, expressed as a percentage. This calculator adds it up instantly and shows both your percentage and an estimated letter grade.
How to Use It
Enter your Total Points Earned (the sum of all points you scored across every graded item) and your Total Points Possible (the maximum points available for those same items). Click calculate to see your grade percentage and a letter grade based on a standard 90/80/70/60 scale.
The Formula Explained
The math is a single division:
$$\text{Grade \%} = \frac{\text{Points Earned}}{\text{Points Possible}} \times 100$$Because the formula uses raw point totals rather than per-assignment averages, it automatically weights bigger assignments more heavily — a 200-point final counts twice as much as a 100-point midterm without any extra steps.
Worked Example
Suppose you earned 450 points out of a possible 500. Then $$\text{Grade \%} = (450 \div 500) \times 100 = 90\%$$ A 90% maps to a letter grade of A on the standard scale.
FAQ
What letter-grade scale is used? The default scale is A \(\geq 90\%\), B \(\geq 80\%\), C \(\geq 70\%\), D \(\geq 60\%\), and F below 60%. Your school may use a different cutoff, so always confirm with your syllabus.
How do I include extra credit? Add extra-credit points to your Points Earned but do not add them to Points Possible. This can push your percentage above 100%.
Does this account for weighted categories? No. This tool assumes pure points-based grading where every point is equal. If your course uses weighted categories (e.g., homework 20%, exams 50%), use a weighted-grade calculator instead.
