Exam Score Calculator
Two Ways an Exam Score Gets Reported
Some exams are graded by counting correct answers out of a total question count; others are graded by adding up points earned against points possible across multiple sections. Both describe the same underlying percentage, but converting between them by hand invites arithmetic slips, especially with odd totals like 37 out of 44. This calculator handles either format directly and returns both the percentage and the corresponding letter grade.
The Formula
Score % = (Correct Answers / Total Questions) × 100
— or —
Score % = (Points Earned / Points Possible) × 100
— or —
Score % = (Points Earned / Points Possible) × 100
Worked Examples
42 correct out of 50 questions → (42 / 50) × 100 = 84.00% → B
88 points earned out of 100 possible → (88 / 100) × 100 = 88.00% → B+
88 points earned out of 100 possible → (88 / 100) × 100 = 88.00% → B+
| Percentage | Letter |
|---|---|
| 97 – 100 | A+ |
| 93 – 96 | A |
| 90 – 92 | A- |
| 87 – 89 | B+ |
| 83 – 86 | B |
| 80 – 82 | B- |
| 77 – 79 | C+ |
| 73 – 76 | C |
| 70 – 72 | C- |
| 60 – 69 | D range |
| 0 – 59 | F |
Where This Matters
- Grading rubrics with odd denominators — a 27/32 quiz doesn't map cleanly to a round percentage; this avoids doing the division by hand.
- Comparing scores across different exams — two tests out of different totals (say, 40 questions versus 75 points) become directly comparable once both are converted to percentages.
- Self-checking before grades post — students can verify their own percentage matches what an instructor's gradebook will eventually show.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose the scoring format: "Correct Answers / Total Questions" or "Points Earned / Points Possible."
- Enter the two relevant numbers for the format selected.
- Select Calculate to see the resulting percentage and letter grade.
Related Calculations
To convert a single already-known percentage into a letter grade, use the Letter Grade Calculator, or combine several weighted scores with the Grade Calculator.