How to Calculate Your Semester Grade

Your semester grade is determined by the grading system in your course. The first step is to identify whether the syllabus uses weighted categories, total points, or another method.

For weighted categories

Multiply each category average by its share of the course, then add the results. For example, if tests are 50% with an 86% average, assignments are 30% with a 94% average, and a project is 20% with an 80% score:

86 × 0.50 + 94 × 0.30 + 80 × 0.20 = 87.2%

Check that the category weights add to 100% if they describe the full course. If some work remains, a portal’s current average may be based only on completed categories and therefore differ from the final semester grade.

For total points

When every point counts equally, divide total points earned by total points possible and multiply by 100:

Percentage = (points earned ÷ points possible) × 100

For example, 428 points earned out of 500 possible is 428 ÷ 500 × 100 = 85.6%. Include only the point totals your course policy counts. Extra credit or dropped assignments may change the denominator or total.

Know what remains

To estimate a final grade before the term ends, include future work with its course weight or possible points. Do not treat a current average as though it already accounts for assessments that have not happened.

If a final exam is a separate course weight, add the current coursework contribution and the possible final-exam contribution. The GradeWise calculator can calculate a required score or a projected overall grade; its Advanced mode handles weighted categories and assignments.

Verify the syllabus rules

Instructors may use curves, minimum exam requirements, rounding rules, dropped scores, or category reweighting. A basic calculation cannot know those rules unless you account for them yourself. Use the official syllabus or ask your instructor to verify a result that matters.