Quick answer: To calculate an average, add all the values together and divide by how many values there are. For grades: 85 + 92 + 78 + 88 = 343, and 343 ÷ 4 = 85.75, which is a B. If some grades count more than others, use a weighted average instead.
Key takeaways
- Simple average = sum of grades ÷ number of grades.
- If assignments have different point totals, check whether your teacher averages percentages or total points; the results can differ.
- Weighted average = (grade × weight) + (grade × weight) + … when categories such as tests and homework count differently.
The Average Formula
Average = Sum of all values ÷ Number of values
This is the arithmetic mean, and it is what teachers mean by your “grade average”. You can check any result with our average grade calculator.
How to Calculate Your Grade Average, Step by Step
- List every grade you want to include (tests, quizzes, assignments).
- Make them comparable. If they are raw scores like 18/20, turn each into a percentage first (score ÷ total × 100). Our guide on how to calculate grade percentage shows how.
- Add them up to get the total.
- Divide by the number of grades. The result is your average.
- Convert to a letter grade with the table below or our grading chart.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Simple average of test scores
Your four test scores are 85, 92, 78 and 88.
- 85 + 92 + 78 + 88 = 343
- 343 ÷ 4 = 85.75
- On the standard scale, 85.75% is a B.
Example 2: Averaging percentages vs. total points
You scored 18/20 on a quiz (90%), 42/50 on a test (84%) and 45/60 on a project (75%).
- Average of percentages: (90 + 84 + 75) ÷ 3 = 83% (B). Each assignment counts equally.
- Total points: (18 + 42 + 45) ÷ (20 + 50 + 60) = 105 ÷ 130 = 80.77% (B-). The 60-point project counts most.
Same scores, different answers. Ask your teacher which method the class uses, or check the syllabus.
Example 3: Weighted average
Your class weights homework 20% (your average 95), quizzes 30% (average 82) and the final exam 50% (score 76).
- Homework: 95 × 0.20 = 19.0
- Quizzes: 82 × 0.30 = 24.6
- Final: 76 × 0.50 = 38.0
- 19.0 + 24.6 + 38.0 = 81.6%, a B-. More on this in how to calculate weighted average grades.
Example 4: Points-based class
You have earned 412 points out of 480 possible so far this term.
- 412 ÷ 480 = 0.8583
- 0.8583 × 100 = 85.83%, a B.
Example 5: Averaging letter grades (GPA)
Your grades are A, B+, B and A-. On the standard 4.0 scale these are 4.0, 3.3, 3.0 and 3.7.
- 4.0 + 3.3 + 3.0 + 3.7 = 14.0
- 14.0 ÷ 4 = 3.5 GPA. For more grades or credit hours, use the GPA calculator.
Which Average Method Should You Use?
| Method | Use it when | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Simple average | Every grade counts the same | Sum ÷ count |
| Average of percentages | Assignments have different totals but equal importance | Sum of % ÷ count |
| Total points | Your class is graded on points | Points earned ÷ points possible × 100 |
| Weighted average | Categories count differently (e.g. exams 50%) | Σ (grade × weight) |
| GPA average | You have letter grades | Sum of grade points ÷ count |
Grade Average to Letter Grade and GPA
Most US schools use a scale like this one. Your school’s cut-offs may differ slightly; see our grade scale guide for other systems.
| Average (%) | Letter grade | GPA (4.0 scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 97–100 | A+ | 4.0 |
| 93–96 | A | 4.0 |
| 90–92 | A- | 3.7 |
| 87–89 | B+ | 3.3 |
| 83–86 | B | 3.0 |
| 80–82 | B- | 2.7 |
| 77–79 | C+ | 2.3 |
| 73–76 | C | 2.0 |
| 70–72 | C- | 1.7 |
| 67–69 | D+ | 1.3 |
| 63–66 | D | 1.0 |
| 60–62 | D- | 0.7 |
| Below 60 | F | 0.0 |
Common Mistakes When Averaging Grades
- Ignoring weights. If the final exam is worth 40%, a simple average will be wrong.
- Mixing raw scores and percentages. Averaging 18 (out of 20) with 84 (out of 100) makes no sense; convert first.
- Leaving out zeros. Missing work usually counts as 0 and pulls the average down.
- Rounding too early. Keep decimals until the final step.
Tips to Raise Your Grade Average
- Know your target. The final grade calculator tells you the score you need on the final to reach your goal.
- Fix the heaviest category first. One point on a 50% exam is worth more than one point on 10% homework.
- Turn in everything. Replacing a zero with even a 60 lifts your average a lot.
- Track it weekly. Small, regular updates beat end-of-term surprises. See also how to raise your GPA quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the average of grades?
Add all of your grades together, then divide by the number of grades. For example, 85, 92, 78 and 88 add up to 343, and 343 ÷ 4 = 85.75, a B.
How do I calculate my average grade percentage?
Turn each score into a percentage first (score ÷ total × 100), then average the percentages. If your teacher grades by total points instead, divide all the points you earned by all the points possible.
Should I average percentages or total points?
Use whatever method your teacher uses. Averaging percentages gives every assignment the same weight; dividing total points gives bigger assignments more weight. The two methods can give different answers, as Example 2 shows.
How do I calculate a weighted grade average?
Multiply each category average by its weight (as a decimal), then add the results. Homework at 20%, quizzes at 30% and a final at 50% works like Example 3. Our guide to weighted average grades covers more cases.
How do I average letter grades?
Convert each letter to grade points on the 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, B = 3.0 and so on), add them, and divide by the number of grades. That is your GPA. See how to calculate a GPA from letter grades.
Do zeros affect my average?
Yes, a lot. A missing assignment counts as 0, so scores of 90, 90 and 0 average only 60. Handing in every assignment, even late, usually helps more than anything else.
What score do I need to raise my average?
Multiply your target average by the total number of grades after the next one, then subtract the sum of your current grades. If four tests average 82 (sum 328) and you want an 84 average after five tests, you need 84 × 5 − 328 = 92.
Is the average the same as the mean?
Yes. In school, “average” usually means the arithmetic mean: the sum divided by the count. The median (the middle score) and the mode (the most common score) are different measures.
How do I calculate my semester average?
Average every grade from the semester using your teacher’s weights, or let the semester grade calculator combine your quarter and exam grades.
Related Guides & Calculators
- Average Grade Calculator: average any set of grades instantly.
- How to Calculate Weighted Average Grades: step-by-step weighted examples.
- GPA Calculator: turn letter grades into a GPA.
- Semester Grade Calculator: combine quarter and exam grades.
