Test Grade Calculator
The Test Grade Calculator helps you calculate your test percentage and corresponding letter grade based on your score and the total points possible. You can enter the points you earned or use the number of questions you got wrong. You can also enter an optional target grade percentage to determine the score required to reach your goal.
How to Use the Test Grade Calculator
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Choose what you know: Select either Points I earned or How many questions got wrong.
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Enter your score: Provide your earned points or the number of incorrect answers, along with the total points possible.
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Enter a target grade (optional): Add a percentage, such as 90%, to calculate the points associated with your desired grade.
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Calculate your result: Use the result to check your test percentage and corresponding letter grade.
When entering the number of wrong answers, the calculation assumes that each question is worth one point. If questions have different point values or allow partial credit, use the points-earned option instead.
How to Calculate Your Test Grade
Your test percentage is calculated by dividing the points you earned by the total points possible and multiplying the result by 100.
Test percentage formula:
Test Percentage = (Points Earned ÷ Total Points Possible) × 100
For example, if you earn 42 points out of 50 possible points:
Test Percentage = (42 ÷ 50) × 100 = 84%
According to the grading scale used by this calculator, an 84% score corresponds to a B.
Calculating a Grade From Wrong Answers
If every question is worth one point, you can calculate your percentage using the total number of questions and the number of incorrect answers.
Test Percentage = [(Total Questions − Wrong Answers) ÷ Total Questions] × 100
For example, if you answer 35 questions correctly out of 40, your score is:
Test Percentage = (35 ÷ 40) × 100 = 87.5%
A score of 87.5% corresponds to a B+ on this calculator’s grading scale.
This method does not give an exact percentage when questions have different point values or partial credit is involved.
Test Grade Letter Scale
This calculator uses the following letter grade scale to convert a percentage score into a letter grade.
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A+ | 97%–100% |
| A | 93%–less than 97% |
| A− | 90%–less than 93% |
| B+ | 87%–less than 90% |
| B | 83%–less than 87% |
| B− | 80%–less than 83% |
| C+ | 77%–less than 80% |
| C | 73%–less than 77% |
| C− | 70%–less than 73% |
| D+ | 67%–less than 70% |
| D | 63%–less than 67% |
| D− | 60%–less than 63% |
| F | Below 60% |
The minimum percentage in each range is included, while the upper boundary belongs to the next grade range. This is the grading scale used by this calculator and may differ from your school, college, or instructor’s grading policy.
Calculating the Points Needed for a Target Grade
The optional target grade field lets you calculate the number of points corresponding to a desired percentage.
Required Points = Total Points Possible × (Target Grade ÷ 100)
For example, if a test is worth 50 points and your target grade is 90%:
Required Points = 50 × (90 ÷ 100) = 45 points
You need 45 points out of 50 to achieve a score of 90%. If you have already earned 42 points and can still earn more points, you need 3 additional points to reach that target.
If a test allows only whole-number points, the required score must be rounded up when the calculation produces a fractional number of points.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my test percentage?
Divide your earned points by the total points possible, then multiply by 100. For example, 36 points out of 40 equals 90%.
What grade is 42 out of 50?
A score of 42 out of 50 is 84%. According to this calculator's grading scale, that corresponds to a B.
How do I calculate my grade if I know how many questions I got wrong?
Subtract the number of wrong answers from the total number of questions, divide by the total number of questions, and multiply by 100. This method assumes that all questions have equal value and each is worth one point.
What percentage is an A?
On this calculator's grading scale, an A starts at 93%, while an A+ starts at 97%. A score from 90% to less than 93% is an A−.
Is 60% a passing grade?
On this calculator's grading scale, 60% corresponds to a D−. Whether that score counts as passing depends on your school's or instructor's grading policy.
How many points do I need to get a 90%?
Multiply the total points possible by 0.90. For a test worth 50 points, you need 45 points to achieve 90%.
Does every school use the same letter grade scale?
No. Grade boundaries can vary by school, college, instructor, course, and assessment. Check the grading policy that applies to your test when you need an official grade.