Step 1: Check your grading method
Before doing any math, look at your syllabus or gradebook. A points class might show scores such as 42/50 and 180/200. A weighted class might show Homework 20%, Quizzes 30%, and Exams 50%.
Percentage weights listed? Use the Weighted Grade Calculator.
Step 2: Calculate a points-based grade
Add all earned points and all possible points, then divide earned by possible and multiply by 100.
For example, 42/50 plus 84/100 gives 126 earned points out of 150 possible points, or 84%.
Step 3: Calculate a weighted grade
Multiply each category score by its course weight, then add the weighted contributions. For a complete course-grade calculation, the category weights normally represent the full course.
For example, 90% homework at 20%, 80% quizzes at 30%, and 88% exams at 50% produce a weighted course grade of 86%.
Why the two methods can disagree
Raw points and percentage weights answer different questions about importance. A 100-point exam has more influence than a 10-point quiz in a pure points class. In a weighted class, influence follows the percentages assigned by the syllabus instead.
Read Total Points vs. Weighted Grades for a side-by-side method check.
What about your final exam?
A current grade tells you where you are now. It does not automatically tell you what score you need on a future final. For that question, use the Final Grade Calculator.
Keep the letter grade policy separate
The percentage calculation can be correct even when a letter-grade label differs between schools. Always compare the percentage with your course's official grading scale or syllabus.