Adjust your class grades using various curving methods to better understand grade distributions and potential outcomes. Grade curving is commonly used in educational settings to normalize scores and account for test difficulty.
Bell curve with target mean of 75% and standard deviation of 10
The average score after curving
Controls the spread of scores (higher = more spread)
Input the raw scores for your class. You can enter them individually or paste a list of scores separated by commas, new lines, or spaces. For example: "85, 72, 91, 65, 78".
Choose from several curving methods based on your needs. Each method adjusts grades differently:
Depending on the method you choose, adjust parameters like target mean, standard deviation, points to add, or new maximum score using the sliders provided.
After calculating, you'll see a table comparing original and curved scores, statistical summaries, and visual representations of the grade distribution. You can export these results or copy them to your clipboard.
The bell curve method adjusts grades to fit a normal distribution with a specified mean and standard deviation. This is one of the most common curving methods used in academia.
Linear scaling proportionally adjusts all scores to a new maximum. This preserves the relative performance differences between students.
The square root method takes the square root of the percentage and multiplies by 10. This helps to boost lower scores more significantly than higher scores.
This simple method adds a fixed number of points to all scores. It's straightforward but doesn't adjust for the distribution shape.
This method scales all grades so that the highest score becomes 100%. It's useful when a test was too difficult and no one achieved a perfect score.
Grade curving is the process of adjusting raw scores to account for various factors such as test difficulty, class performance, or to achieve a desired grade distribution. It's commonly used in educational settings to ensure fair assessment when a test proves to be more difficult than intended.
The fairness of grade curving depends on how it's implemented. When used appropriately, curving can compensate for unexpectedly difficult assessments or unusual class performance. However, some argue that it creates unnecessary competition among students or can mask poor instruction. The most fair curving methods are those that are transparent and applied consistently.
In some curving methods, particularly those that fit scores to a normal distribution, some students' grades might be lowered while others are raised. However, many instructors only curve grades upward, never downward. This is often called a "generous curve" and is more common in practice. Always check with your instructor about their specific curving policy.
The best way to know is to ask directly or check your course syllabus. Many professors will explain their grading policies, including any curving methods, at the beginning of the course. Some instructors may decide to curve grades only after seeing the class performance on assessments.
Curving is more common in courses where:
No, it's always best to prepare as if there will be no curve. Curving is never guaranteed, and studying with the expectation of a curve can lead to underpreparation. Always aim to master the material completely, regardless of how grades might be adjusted later.
The bell curve (normal distribution) is traditionally the most common method, especially in larger classes and standardized tests. However, in practice, many instructors use simpler methods like adding points or scaling to a new maximum, as these are more transparent and easier for students to understand.
Without knowing the exact curving method your instructor will use, it's difficult to predict your curved grade. However, if you know your position relative to the class average (above or below, and by how much), you can make an educated guess. This calculator can help you explore different scenarios based on various curving methods.
Many standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, and MCAT use curving methods to ensure consistency across different test versions. This helps account for variations in difficulty between different test administrations.
In large introductory courses at universities, particularly in STEM fields, curving is often used to maintain consistent grade distributions from semester to semester, regardless of the specific difficulty of each exam.
Professional schools often use strict curves to maintain high standards and create differentiation among students. Some law schools, for example, mandate that grades follow a specific distribution with a predetermined average.
Schools with competitive admissions may curve grades to identify top performers. This helps them select candidates who performed exceptionally well relative to their peers.
Beyond education, some companies use curve-like systems for employee evaluations, sometimes called "stack ranking" or "forced distribution." This approach ensures that only a certain percentage of employees receive the highest ratings.
Calculate your curved grades to see results here
Your performance relative to peers matters more than raw scores
Different professors use different curving methods
Curves are usually applied to maintain consistent standards
Some schools have policies limiting how many A's can be awarded
Always aim for mastery, not just beating the curve