Calculate percent correct from total questions and correct or wrong answers, see pass/fail status, and find how many correct you need for a target score.
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Percent Correct Formula
The calculator runs in two modes. Score mode turns a raw score into a percent. Target mode tells you how many you need correct to hit a goal.
Percent Correct = (Correct / Total) * 100
Correct Needed = ceiling(Target% / 100 * Total)
- Correct = number of questions or points you got right
- Total = total questions or points available
- Target% = the percent score you want to reach
- Correct Needed = minimum number of correct answers to hit the target
In Score mode, you enter the total and either the number correct or the number wrong. If you enter wrong answers, the calculator subtracts from the total before applying the formula. It also compares the result to the passing score you set and assigns a letter grade.
In Target mode, you enter the total and the percent you want. The calculator multiplies and rounds up, since you cannot get partial questions right on most tests. It also reports how many you can afford to miss.
Reference Tables
Standard US letter grade scale used by the calculator:
| Percent | Letter |
|---|---|
| 97 to 100 | A+ |
| 93 to 96 | A |
| 90 to 92 | A- |
| 87 to 89 | B+ |
| 83 to 86 | B |
| 80 to 82 | B- |
| 77 to 79 | C+ |
| 73 to 76 | C |
| 70 to 72 | C- |
| 67 to 69 | D+ |
| 63 to 66 | D |
| 60 to 62 | D- |
| Below 60 | F |
How many you can miss on a 40 question test at common targets:
| Target | Correct Needed | Can Miss |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | 28 | 12 |
| 80% | 32 | 8 |
| 85% | 34 | 6 |
| 90% | 36 | 4 |
| 95% | 38 | 2 |
Examples and FAQ
Example 1. You got 33 right out of 40. (33 / 40) * 100 = 82.50%. That is a B-.
Example 2. You want 90% on a 50 question test. 0.90 * 50 = 45. You need 45 correct and can miss 5.
What if questions have different point values? Use total points instead of total questions. Enter points earned as the number correct and total possible points as the total.
How is partial credit handled? Add partial credit into your points earned. The formula does not change.
Why does the target mode round up? You cannot answer 31.5 questions correctly. Rounding up gives the smallest whole number that still meets or exceeds the target.
What if my class uses a different letter scale? The grade shown follows a common US plus and minus scale. Check your syllabus, since some schools cut grades at different breakpoints.
