How to Calculate a Weighted Grade

A weighted grade is the fair way to combine assignments, quizzes, projects, and exams when each one counts for a different share of your final mark. A 95% homework average does not cancel out a rough midterm if homework is only worth 10% and the midterm is worth 30%.

Here is the simple version:

Weighted grade = (score × weight + score × weight + ...) ÷ total weight counted

Use weights as percentages. If an exam is worth 25% of the course, its weight is 25.

A worked example

Say your class has these results so far:

Multiply each score by its weight:

• Homework: 92 × 15 = 1380
• Quizzes: 84 × 10 = 840
• Midterm: 78 × 25 = 1950

Add those together: 1380 + 840 + 1950 = 4170.

Then divide by the total weight completed so far: 15 + 10 + 25 = 50.

4170 ÷ 50 = 83.4%

Your current weighted grade is 83.4%.

Why the weights do not need to add to 100 yet

If the semester is still in progress, you probably have not completed every category. That is fine. Divide by the weight that has actually been graded so far.

Once the final, remaining projects, and any other missing categories are graded, the total weight should reach 100%.

The mistake that throws students off

The biggest mistake is averaging raw scores:

(92 + 84 + 78) ÷ 3 = 84.7%

That looks close in this example, but it is still wrong because it treats homework, quizzes, and the midterm as equally important. The weighted grade is lower because the midterm counts more.

Let the calculator handle it

Use the free Weighted Grade Calculator to add every assignment, score, and weight without doing the formula by hand.

Once you know your current grade, the next useful question is what score you need on the work that is left. The Final Grade Calculator works that out instantly.

If you want the same math tracked automatically for every class, the MyGrades app keeps your current grade, final targets, GPA, and WAM updated as you log results.