Guide

How to Calculate Grades by Weight

Most classes weigh assignments differently — tests might count more than homework. Here's exactly how the math works, step by step.

When a class is graded by weight, each category (Homework, Quizzes, Tests, Final Exam, etc.) is assigned a percentage that reflects how much it counts toward your final grade — instead of every assignment counting equally.

The formula: multiply your score in each category by that category's weight, add the results together, then divide by the total weight used.

Example: Say Homework is worth 20% and you scored 90%, Quizzes are worth 30% and you scored 80%, and Tests are worth 50% and you scored 75%. Your weighted grade is:
(90 × 20 + 80 × 30 + 75 × 50) ÷ 100 = (1800 + 2400 + 3750) ÷ 100 = 79.5%

This is different from a plain average (which would give 81.7%) — weighting shifts the result toward whichever category counts for more, in this case Tests. Always check your syllabus or gradebook for the exact weight percentages your teacher uses before calculating.

Calculate Your Weighted Grade →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a weighted grade and a simple average?
A simple average treats every score equally. A weighted grade multiplies each category by its assigned percentage first, so categories worth more (like Tests) affect your final grade more than categories worth less (like Homework).
Where do I find my class's grading weights?
Check your course syllabus or your gradebook's grading policy section (in Canvas, click the info icon on the Grades page). If you can't find it, ask your teacher directly.