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Test Grade Calculator

Instantly calculate your test score, percentage, and letter grade. Enter total questions and wrong answers, or use points earned. Supports multiple grading scales including standard, plus/minus, and pass/fail.

Enter Test Information

10-point scale commonly used in US schools

Enter your test information to calculate your grade

Choose calculation mode: # Wrong, # Correct, or Points

What is a Test Grade Calculator?

A test grade calculator is an essential academic tool that converts raw test scores into percentages and letter grades. Whether you're a student wanting to quickly check your grade or a teacher grading dozens of papers, this calculator provides instant, accurate results using the standard grading formula.

The Test Grade Formula

Percentage Score =Points EarnedTotal Points× 100

Or equivalently: Percentage = (Correct ÷ Total) × 100

Alternative Formula (Using Wrong Answers)

Percentage =(Total − Wrong)Total× 100

This is useful when you only know the number of incorrect answers.

How to Use the Test Grade Calculator

  1. 1
    Choose Your Calculation Mode

    Select whether you want to enter number wrong, number correct, or points earned.

  2. 2
    Enter Total Questions/Points

    Input the total number of questions or maximum possible points on the test.

  3. 3
    Enter Your Score

    Input the number wrong, number correct, or points earned depending on your chosen mode.

  4. 4
    Select Grading Scale

    Choose from Standard (A-F), Plus/Minus, 7-Point, 10-Point, or Pass/Fail scales.

  5. 5
    Get Your Results

    Click Calculate to see your percentage, letter grade, and step-by-step solution.

Test Grade Calculation Examples

140-Question Test with 7 Wrong

A student takes a 40-question test and answers 7 questions incorrectly. What is their grade?

Given Information:

  • Total questions = 40
  • Wrong answers = 7
  • Correct answers = 40 − 7 = 33

Calculation:

Percentage =3340× 100

Percentage = 0.825 × 100 = 82.5%

Letter Grade: B

Result: With 33 correct out of 40 questions, the student earns 82.5%, which is a B grade on the standard scale (or B- on the plus/minus scale).

2Points-Based Test (85/100)

A student earns 85 points out of 100 possible points on a midterm exam. Calculate their grade.

Given Information:

  • Points earned = 85
  • Points possible = 100

Calculation:

Percentage =85100× 100

Percentage = 0.85 × 100 = 85%

Letter Grade: B

Result: The student earns 85%, which is a solid B grade.

325-Question Quiz with 2 Wrong

A student answers 2 questions wrong on a 25-question pop quiz. What percentage and letter grade do they receive?

Given Information:

  • Total questions = 25
  • Wrong answers = 2
  • Correct answers = 25 − 2 = 23

Calculation:

Percentage =2325× 100

Percentage = 0.92 × 100 = 92%

Letter Grade: A- / A

Result: With only 2 wrong, the student scores 92% - an A- on the plus/minus scale or A on the standard scale!

4Borderline Pass/Fail Scenario

A student gets 12 out of 20 questions correct on a final exam. Did they pass (60% required)?

Given Information:

  • Total questions = 20
  • Correct answers = 12
  • Passing threshold = 60%

Calculation:

Percentage =1220× 100

Percentage = 0.60 × 100 = 60%

Letter Grade: D

Result: The student scores exactly 60%, which is a D grade - just barely passing! One more wrong answer would have resulted in failing.

Understanding Different Grading Scales

GradeStandard (10-Point)Plus/Minus7-Point (Strict)GPA Points
A+-97-100%-4.0
A90-100%93-96%93-100%4.0
A--90-92%-3.7
B+-87-89%-3.3
B80-89%83-86%85-92%3.0
B--80-82%-2.7
C+-77-79%-2.3
C70-79%73-76%77-84%2.0
C--70-72%-1.7
D60-69%60-69%70-76%1.0
F0-59%0-59%0-69%0.0

Standard 10-Point Scale

The most common grading scale in U.S. education. Each 10-percentage-point range corresponds to one letter grade.

  • A: 90-100% (Excellent)
  • B: 80-89% (Above Average)
  • C: 70-79% (Average)
  • D: 60-69% (Below Average, Passing)
  • F: Below 60% (Failing)

7-Point Scale (Strict)

A more rigorous scale often used in competitive academic environments. An A requires 93% or higher.

  • A: 93-100% (Excellent)
  • B: 85-92% (Above Average)
  • C: 77-84% (Average)
  • D: 70-76% (Below Average)
  • F: Below 70% (Failing)

Quick Reference: Common Test Sizes

10 Questions

Each question = 10%

0 wrong:100% (A)
1 wrong:90% (A)
2 wrong:80% (B)
3 wrong:70% (C)
4 wrong:60% (D)

20 Questions

Each question = 5%

0 wrong:100% (A)
2 wrong:90% (A)
4 wrong:80% (B)
6 wrong:70% (C)
8 wrong:60% (D)

25 Questions

Each question = 4%

0 wrong:100% (A)
2 wrong:92% (A)
5 wrong:80% (B)
7 wrong:72% (C)
10 wrong:60% (D)

50 Questions

Each question = 2%

0 wrong:100% (A)
5 wrong:90% (A)
10 wrong:80% (B)
15 wrong:70% (C)
20 wrong:60% (D)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing # Wrong with # Correct

Double-check whether you're entering the number of wrong answers or correct answers. Getting 7 wrong on a 40-question test (82.5%) is very different from getting 7 correct (17.5%).

Forgetting About Partial Credit

Some tests award partial credit. If your test has partial credit, use the "Points" mode instead of counting questions as fully correct or wrong.

Using the Wrong Grading Scale

Always check your syllabus or ask your teacher which grading scale they use. An 89% might be an A- on some scales but a B+ on others.

Not Accounting for Extra Credit

If your test includes extra credit questions, your total points possible should include only the regular questions unless the extra credit is mandatory.

Tips for Improving Test Grades

Know Your Target

Before the test, calculate how many questions you can miss and still get your desired grade. For a 20-question test, missing 2 still gets you 90% (A).

Review Wrong Answers

After getting your test back, analyze your mistakes. Understanding why you got answers wrong helps prevent similar errors in the future.

Time Management

Divide your test time by the number of questions. If you have 60 minutes for 40 questions, spend about 1.5 minutes per question.

Answer Every Question

Unless there's a penalty for guessing, never leave questions blank. A guess gives you a chance; a blank answer is automatically wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage is needed to pass a test?

In most U.S. schools, 60% is the minimum passing grade, corresponding to a D. However, some schools or courses may require 65% or 70% to pass. College courses often require a C (70-73%) minimum. Always check your course syllabus for specific requirements.

How do I calculate my grade if questions have different point values?

Use the "Points" mode instead of "# Wrong" or "# Correct." Enter your total points earned and total points possible. For example, if you earned 78 out of 100 possible points (with some questions worth more than others), enter 78 as points earned and 100 as points possible.

Is an 89.5% an A or a B?

It depends on your teacher's rounding policy. Some teachers round 89.5% up to 90% (A), while others keep it at 89% (B+). On the standard scale without plus/minus grades, 89.5% would round to 90% and be an A. Check with your teacher about their specific rounding policy.

How many questions can I miss and still get an A?

For an A (90%+) on a standard scale: On a 10-question test, miss 1; on a 20-question test, miss 2; on a 25-question test, miss 2; on a 50-question test, miss 5; on a 100-question test, miss 10. Use our calculator to find exact thresholds for any test size.

What's the difference between weighted and unweighted grades?

This test grade calculator calculates unweighted grades - each question has equal value. Weighted grades give different values to different assignment types (e.g., tests worth 40%, homework worth 20%). For weighted grade calculations, use our Grade Calculator.

Can I use this for weighted tests where some questions count more?

Yes! Switch to "Points" mode and enter your points earned and total points possible. For example, if a test has 20 multiple choice (1 point each = 20 points) and 4 essays (5 points each = 20 points), the total is 40 points. Enter your total points earned out of 40.

How do I calculate my grade with extra credit?

Extra credit can push your score above 100%. Use "Points" mode: enter your total points (including extra credit) as "Points Earned" and the original maximum as "Points Possible." For example, 105 points earned out of 100 possible = 105%.

What is a good test grade?

A "good" grade is subjective and depends on context. Generally: 90%+ (A) is excellent, 80-89% (B) is above average, 70-79% (C) is average/satisfactory. For college applications, aim for A's and high B's. For graduate school, mostly A's are expected.

Related Calculators

Calculate Your Grade Instantly

Our Test Grade Calculator makes it easy to convert your test scores into percentages and letter grades. Whether you just finished a quiz and want to know your grade before the teacher posts it, or you're a teacher grading papers, this tool provides instant, accurate results with multiple grading scale options.

Remember: a single test grade is just one measure of your learning. Use this calculator to track your progress, but focus on understanding the material rather than just the numbers. Consistent effort and learning from mistakes will lead to better grades over time.

Need Help Improving Your Test Scores?

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