Calculate your current course grade using weighted averages. Input grades and weights to see your result. Plan for future exams to hit your target score.
Final Grade Calculator
Estimate what you need on your final exam to achieve your desired course grade.
Letter Grades and Their GPA & Percentage Equivalents
The grade calculators use the following standard letter grades and their typical GPA and percentage equivalents. These values are widely accepted in academic institutions:
| Letter Grade | GPA | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.3 | 97–100% |
| A | 4.0 | 93–96% |
| A- | 3.7 | 90–92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87–89% |
| B | 3.0 | 83–86% |
| B- | 2.7 | 80–82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77–79% |
| C | 2.0 | 73–76% |
| C- | 1.7 | 70–72% |
| D+ | 1.3 | 67–69% |
| D | 1.0 | 63–66% |
| D- | 0.7 | 60–62% |
| F | 0.0 | 0–59% |
A Brief History of Grading Systems
Grading systems have evolved significantly over the centuries. In 1785, Yale University ranked students using Latin terms such as optimi (best), inferiore (lower), and pejores (worse). Similarly, Harvard once used a numerical scale ranging from 1 to 200 for most courses, and William & Mary simply labeled students as No. 1 or No. 2, based on conduct and performance.
By 1887, Mount Holyoke College pioneered a more recognizable grading scale with letter grades A through E, later replacing E with F to denote failure. Interestingly, anything below 75% was considered failing at that time—far stricter than today’s standards. Over time, this letter-based system spread across high schools and colleges in the U.S., gradually becoming the norm despite variations in implementation (such as A+ or minus grades).
Are There Alternatives to Letter Grades?
Letter grades simplify evaluation by condensing performance into clear categories. They work well in scenarios with objective answers, such as math exams. However, they may fall short in providing detailed feedback for subjective work, like essays or creative assignments.
Some institutions embrace alternative methods. For example, Saint Ann’s School in New York avoids letter grades altogether, opting instead for in-depth narrative evaluations from teachers. These anecdotal reports aim to foster growth and learning rather than reward competition.
Though effective, such systems are rare—mainly due to the time commitment required for individualized feedback, especially in large universities. Schools like Sanborn High have tried more qualitative approaches, but scalability remains a challenge.
Ultimately, combining standardized grading with personalized feedback may offer the best of both worlds—promoting academic achievement while also supporting deeper learning and student motivation.
