Use our Test Grade Calculator to estimate your test score based on points earned and total points. Know your performance instantly and plan your next steps.
Insights and visualizations to help you interpret your test results and improve your performance.
In a standard bell curve distribution, most students score in the middle range (C), with fewer students getting very high (A) or very low (F) grades. However, many instructors aim for a more positive distribution where more students achieve higher grades.
Your percentile rank tells you what percentage of students scored lower than you. For example, if you're in the 75th percentile, you scored higher than 75% of your classmates.
Standard deviation measures how spread out the scores are. A low standard deviation means most scores are close to the average. A high standard deviation means scores are more widely distributed.
The impact of a single test on your overall grade depends on its weight in the course. Here's how to calculate it:
Formula:
Impact = (Test Score - Current Average) × Test Weight
Example: If you have a current average of 80%, get 90% on a test worth 20% of your grade:
Impact = (90% - 80%) × 20% = 10% × 20% = 2%
Your overall average would increase by 2 percentage points to 82%.
Use these strategies to plan for upcoming assessments:
Ask yourself these questions to gain deeper insights from your test results:
Understanding different grading systems and how they work can help you better interpret your test scores.
This is the most common grading scale used in high schools and many colleges in the United States.
Adds a fixed number of points to all scores. For example, adding 5 points to everyone's score.
Multiplies all scores by a factor. For example, multiplying all scores by 1.1 (a 10% increase).
Applies more curve to lower scores. Helps struggling students more than high performers.
The number of points you earned on the test. This is your actual score before any adjustments.
Your raw score divided by the total possible points, multiplied by 100. Shows your performance as a percentage.
A letter (A, B, C, D, F) assigned based on your percentage according to the grading scale.
Strategies for before, during, and after your test to maximize your performance.
Always read all instructions before starting. Pay attention to how many questions you need to answer, time limits, and specific requirements.
Don't spend too much time on difficult questions. Budget your time based on point values and check the clock periodically.
Research shows your first instinct is often correct. Only change answers if you have a good reason to do so.
For math and science tests, show all your work. You may receive partial credit even if the final answer is wrong.
Last-minute cramming increases stress and reduces recall. Study consistently over time instead.
If you skip a question, mark it clearly so you can return to it later. Don't forget to go back!
For multiple choice, read all options before selecting an answer. The best answer might be the last one.
Review your previous tests to identify patterns in your mistakes. Use this information to improve your study strategy.
Test anxiety can significantly impact performance. Try these techniques if you experience anxiety:
Research-backed techniques to help you study more effectively and improve your test scores.
Test yourself on material instead of passively re-reading. Close your notes and try to explain concepts in your own words.
Review material at increasing intervals over time instead of cramming. This improves long-term retention.
Mix different topics or problem types during study sessions instead of focusing on just one area.
Connect new information to what you already know. Ask "why" and "how" questions about the material.
Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
Schedule specific blocks of time for different subjects or tasks in your calendar.
If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately rather than scheduling it for later.
Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on important tasks before they become urgent.
Group information into manageable chunks. Our brains can typically hold 5-9 items in working memory.
Create acronyms, phrases, or rhymes where each letter or word represents something to remember.
Associate information with specific locations in a familiar place, like your home or school.
Create vivid mental images of concepts to improve recall. The more unusual or colorful, the better.
Memory formation happens in three stages: encoding (learning new information), storage (maintaining that information), and retrieval (accessing the information when needed). Effective study techniques target all three stages.
Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. Research shows that studying before sleep improves retention compared to studying and then staying awake for several hours.
Common questions about test grades, grading systems, and using this calculator.
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