Enter the total points and passing threshold into the calculator to determine the passing score.

Passing Score Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the passing score for an exam or assessment.

PS = (TP * PT) / 100

Variables:

  • PS is the passing score (points or percentage)
  • TP is the total points or maximum score possible
  • PT is the passing threshold or minimum required percentage to pass

To calculate the passing score, multiply the total points or maximum score possible by the passing threshold or minimum required percentage to pass. Then, divide the result by 100 to convert the percentage into a points value if necessary.

What is a Passing Score?

A passing score is the minimum number of points or percentage that a candidate must achieve on an exam, test, or assessment to be considered successful or to have met the required standard. This threshold is set by the institution or organization administering the test and is used to determine whether a participant has demonstrated sufficient knowledge, skill, or competence in the subject matter. Passing scores can vary widely depending on the nature of the test and the criteria established by the testing authority, and they are often used in educational settings, professional certifications, and licensing processes.

How to Calculate Passing Score?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Passing Score.


  1. First, determine the total number of questions in the exam.
  2. Next, determine the number of correct answers required to pass the exam.
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = PS = (CA / TQ) * 100.
  4. Finally, calculate the Passing Score by converting the fraction to a percentage.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem :

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

total number of questions in the exam = 50

number of correct answers required to pass = 35

Using the formula PS = (CA / TQ) * 100, calculate the Passing Score.

Passing Score = (35 / 50) * 100 = 70%

Therefore, a candidate would need to score at least 70% to pass the exam.