How to Calculate Grade Percentage

Grade percentage shows how much of the total possible score was earned on an assignment, quiz, test, or class total.

Grade percentage formula

Formula: Grade Percentage = (Points Earned ÷ Total Points) × 100

Step 1: Find the points earned

Start with the number of points the student earned. This is the score they actually got.

Step 2: Find the total possible points

Next, find the total number of points possible. This is the full score the assignment or test was worth.

Step 3: Divide points earned by total points

Divide the earned score by the total possible score.

Step 4: Multiply by 100

Multiply the result by 100 to turn it into a percentage.

Example 1

A student earned 45 points out of 50.

Worked example

90%

45 ÷ 50 = 0.90, then 0.90 × 100 = 90%

Example 2

A student earned 18 points out of 20.

Worked example

90%

18 ÷ 20 = 0.90, then 0.90 × 100 = 90%

Example 3

A student earned 72 points out of 80.

Worked example

90%

72 ÷ 80 = 0.90, then 0.90 × 100 = 90%

Common mistakes

dividing the total points by the earned points instead of the other way around
forgetting to multiply by 100
using the wrong total points
mixing a raw score with a weighted grade formula

What grade percentage tells you

Grade percentage gives a quick way to understand performance. Many teachers and schools use percentages to convert scores into letter grades like A, B, C, or D.

Use the calculator instead of doing it by hand

If you want the faster version, use the Grade Percentage Calculator on School Progress Hub. It quickly turns earned points and total points into a percentage.

Open Grade Percentage Calculator Back to Guides