How to Calculate Your Test Grade
Calculating a test grade requires basic percentage arithmetic. You divide the number of correct answers by the total number of questions on the test, then multiply that decimal by 100 to get your percentage score.
To calculate your test score manually, follow these simple steps:
- Subtract the number of wrong answers from the total number of questions to get your total correct answers.
- Divide your total correct answers by the total number of questions on the test.
- Multiply the resulting decimal value by 100 to convert it into a percentage.
- Compare your percentage to your school grading scale to find your letter grade.
For example, if you complete a test with 40 questions and get 34 of them right, divide 34 by 40 to get 0.85. Multiplying 0.85 by 100 gives you an 85 percent score, which is a solid B grade.
Standard Test Grade Letter Conversion Chart
The chart below shows how percentage test scores convert into standard letter grades and 4.0 GPA scale values across most American schools and universities.
| Percentage Range | Letter Grade | 4.0 Scale Value | Assessment Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97% to 100% | A+ | 4.0 | Excellent |
| 93% to 96% | A | 4.0 | Excellent |
| 90% to 92% | A- | 3.7 | Great |
| 87% to 89% | B+ | 3.3 | Above Average |
| 83% to 86% | B | 3.0 | Average |
| 80% to 82% | B- | 2.7 | Satisfactory |
| 77% to 79% | C+ | 2.3 | Fair |
| 73% to 76% | C | 2.0 | Below Average |
| 70% to 72% | C- | 1.7 | Weak |
| 67% to 69% | D+ | 1.3 | Poor |
| 63% to 66% | D | 1.0 | Barely Passing |
| 60% to 62% | D- | 0.7 | Critical |
| 0% to 59% | F | 0.0 | Fail |
Understanding your individual assignment scores helps you keep track of your overall class standing. If you want to see how this specific score impacts your overall term standing, you can use our high school gpa calculator to project your cumulative grade point average for the semester.
Simple Formula for Test Grades
The mathematical formula used to grade tests relies on basic fractions.
The primary test score formula is:
Score Percentage = (Total Questions - Wrong Answers) / Total Questions * 100
If your teacher uses partial credit or half points, you add up the total points earned instead of raw question counts:
Score Percentage = (Points Earned / Total Points Possible) * 100
For instance, earning 42.5 points out of a possible 50 points yields 42.5 divided by 50, which equals 0.85, or an 85 percent test grade.
When you are reviewing multi-unit courses where tests make up only a portion of your overall term grade, our college gpa calculator can help you evaluate how test weights factor into your broader degree progress.
Common Test Score Calculation Examples
- 20 Question Quiz: Missing 2 questions means you answered 18 correctly. 18 divided by 20 equals 90 percent (A- grade).
- 50 Question Exam: Missing 7 questions means you answered 43 correctly. 43 divided by 50 equals 86 percent (B grade).
- 100 Question Test: Missing 15 questions leaves 85 correct answers. 85 divided by 100 equals 85 percent (B grade).
When preparing for upcoming exams, knowing what score you must earn on your last test is essential. You can plug your current class average into our final grade calculator to discover the exact score you need on your remaining exams to secure your target letter grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my grade if I got 3 questions wrong out of 20?
Subtract 3 from 20 to get 17 correct answers. Divide 17 by 20 to get 0.85, which equals an 85 percent test grade (B).
Is an 80 percent an A or a B?
In standard American grading systems, an 80 percent is considered a B minus (B-). An A grade usually requires a score of 90 percent or higher.
How does half-point partial credit change my test score?
If you receive half credit on a question, add 0.5 points to your total correct answers. For example, getting 18 correct plus one half-point answer on a 20 question test equals 18.5 correct answers, giving you a 92.5 percent score.
What is a passing grade on a test?
In most US schools, a score of 60 percent (D minus) is the minimum passing grade to receive credit. However, many college programs require a minimum score of 70 percent (C) in core major courses.
Can a test grade calculator work for quizzes and exams of any size?
Yes. The percentage calculation works identically whether a test has 5 questions or 200 questions.