How to Calculate Your Average Grade (Weighted & Unweighted Methods)
How to Calculate Your Average Grade (Weighted & Unweighted Methods)
Every student wants to know where they stand — and the average grade is the clearest indicator of your academic performance. Whether you’re calculating grades for high school, college, or an online course, understanding weighted vs. unweighted averages helps you get accurate results.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- How to calculate your unweighted average
- How to calculate your weighted average
- Common grading systems and examples
- How to use the Average Grade Calculator to make it all automatic
What Is an Average Grade?
An average grade represents your overall performance across multiple assignments, exams, or courses. It’s typically expressed as a percentage (%), letter grade (A, B, C...), or GPA scale (0–4.0).
You can calculate your average grade in two main ways:
- Unweighted average: All grades are treated equally
- Weighted average: Each grade has different importance or “weight”
How to Calculate an Unweighted Average Grade
An unweighted average is the simplest form — it treats all grades equally.
Formula:
Average Grade Formula
To calculate your average grade, use this simple formula:
Formula:
Average Grade =
(Σ All Grades)
÷
(Total Number of Grades)
Example Calculation
Let’s find your average based on the following grades:
| Subject | Grade (%) |
|---|---|
| Math | 85% |
| Science | 90% |
| English | 80% |
| Total | 255% |
Step 1: Add all grades → 85 + 90 + 80 = 255
Step 2: Divide by the number of subjects → 255 ÷ 3 = 85%
Your unweighted average grade is 85% (B grade).
How to Calculate a Weighted Average Grade
Weighted grades are more accurate when different categories (like exams, quizzes, or homework) carry different importance.
Formula:
Weighted Average Formula
To calculate your weighted average, use the following formula:
Formula:
Weighted Average =
(Σ (Grade × Weight))
÷
(Σ Weights)
Example Calculation
Here’s how a weighted average might look for different grade categories:
| Category | Grade (%) | Weight (%) | Grade × Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework | 90 | 20 | 18 |
| Quizzes | 80 | 30 | 24 |
| Exams | 70 | 50 | 35 |
| Total | - | 100 | 77 |
Now calculate:
Weighted Average = 77 ÷ 100 = 77%
So, the final weighted average is 77%. Exams had a greater impact since they contributed 50% of the total grade weight.
Weighted vs. Unweighted Grades: Key Differences
| Feature | Unweighted | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Importance | All grades equal | Some grades matter more |
| Example use | Small quizzes, homework | Exams, final projects |
| Accuracy | Simpler, less precise | Reflects true performance |
| Used in | Basic courses | College or advanced programs |
GPA and Grade Conversion Table (4.0 Scale)
If your school uses a GPA system, you can use this conversion chart:
| Letter Grade | Percentage | GPA (4.0 Scale) |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100 | 4.0 |
| A | 93–96 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80–82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76 | 2.0 |
| D | 65–72 | 1.0 |
| F | Below 65 | 0.0 |
Use the Average Grade Calculator
Instead of calculating manually, you can use our Average Grade Calculator to:
- Add multiple assignments or exams
- Assign custom weights
- See your weighted & unweighted averages instantly
- Save results automatically for later reference
It’s the fastest, most accurate way to track your academic performance in real time.
How to Improve Your Average Grade
Here are some smart strategies:
- Focus on high-weight assignments (they influence your average the most)
- Track your grades weekly
- Set GPA or percentage goals
- Use the calculator to simulate “what-if” scenarios
- Always double-check weight distributions
Common Mistakes in Grade Calculation
- Forgetting to convert weights into percentages
- Mixing up points and percentages
- Not including all assignment types (e.g., participation)
- Misinterpreting weighted averages as unweighted
Final Thoughts
Your average grade doesn’t just reflect your performance — it helps you plan smarter for finals and next semesters. With tools like the DailyToolsKit Average Grade Calculator, you can easily predict outcomes, plan study hours, and set realistic academic goals.
👉 Try it now:
https://dailytoolskit.com/calculators/class-grade-calculator
