Choose a Gradebook Calculation Method

Faculty members can choose how their gradebooks calculate cumulative grades based on points, weights, and assignment factors.

Use this topic to:

  • Understand Total Points, Total Points with Weight, and Percentages calculation methods.

  • Compare how each method calculates cumulative grades.

  • See step-by-step calculation examples.

Note: For information about grade column formulas, see Grade formulas in Grades management. For GPA calculations, see Create Grade Calculations & Rank.

To access gradebook calculation settings:

  1. In Faculty, select Classes.

  2. Choose a class.

  3. Select Launch gradebook.

  4. Select More, then Settings.

  5. Select the Grade calculation tab.

Calculation Method Overview

Total Points:

  • Calculates grades using total points earned divided by total points attempted.

  • Assignment types (such as Homework or Exams) do not impact the calculation.

  • Best for courses where all assignments contribute directly based on point value.

Total Points with Weight:

  • Calculates grades within each assignment type using points earned and maximum points.

  • Applies weights to assignment types (for example, Homework 30%, Exams 40%).

  • Assignments with higher point values have greater impact within their category.

  • Use when assignment types are weighted, but assignments within an assignment type have varying max points.

Percentages:

  • Converts each assignment to a percentage, then averages them within each assignment type.

  • Applies weights to assignment types.

  • Each assignment contributes equally within its category, regardless of point value.

  • Use when assignment types are weighted and assignments within a type have the same max points.

Gradebook Calculation Formulas

Total Points Formula

(Sum (Points earned × Assignment factor) / Sum (Maximum points × Assignment factor)) × 100 = Cumulative grade

Total Points with Weight Formula

First: For each assignment type: Sum (Points earned × Assignment factor) / Sum (Maximum points × Assignment factor) = Assignment type grade

Next: (Sum (Assignment type grade × Weight) / Sum (Weight)) × 100 = Cumulative grade

Percentages Formula

First: For each assignment type: Sum ((Points earned / Maximum points) × Assignment factor) / Sum (Assignment factor) = Assignment type grade

Next: (Sum (Assignment type grade × Weight) / Sum (Weight))× 100 = Cumulative grade

Assignment Factors

Factors weight individual assignments rather than an entire assignment type. A factor determines how many times an assignment is counted in calculations.

For example, if an assignment has a factor of a factor of 2, the impact of the assignment on the calculation is doubled. A factor of .5 reduces the impact of the assignment by half. For more information on how factors affect calculations, see Assignment Factor.

Gradebook Calculation Examples

Homework - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Homework 1

 9 10 1
Homework 2 8 10 1
Quizzes - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Quiz 1

 18 20 1
Quiz 2 14 20 1
Exams - Weight 40%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Exam 1

 90 100 1
Exam 2 60 100 1

The maximum points are the same for all assignments within their assignment types.

  1. Calculate total points earned.

    1. Multiply each score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (9×1) + (8×1) + (18×1) + (14×1) + (90×1) + (60×1) = 199

  2. Calculate total maximum points.

    1. Multiply each maximum score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (10×1) + (10×1) + (20×1) + (20×1) + (100×1) + (100×1) = 260

  3. Divide total points earned by total max points.

    199 / 260 = 0.7654

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.7654 × 100 = 76.54

Total Points Result: 76.54%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Multiply earned points by the factor, then add the results.

    2. Multiply the max points by the factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide earned points total by max points total.

    Homework: (9×1 + 8×1) / (10×1 + 10×1) = 17/20 = 0.85

    Quizzes: (18×1 + 14×1) / (20×1 + 20×1) = 32/40 = 0.80

    Exams: (90×1 + 60×1) / (100×1 + 100×1) = 150/200 = 0.75

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (0.85×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.75×40) = 79.5

  3. Divide by the total weight.

    79.5 / 100 = 0.795

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.795 × 100 = 79.5%

Total Points with Weight Result: 79.5%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Convert each assignment grade to a percentage.

    2. Multiply each percentage by the factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide the total by the sum of the factors.

    Homework: (0.90×1 + 0.80×1) / (1+1) = 0.85

    Quizzes: (0.90×1 + 0.70×1) / (1+1) = 0.80

    Exams: (0.90×1 + 0.60×1) / (1+1) = 0.75

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (0.85×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.75×40) = 79.5

  3. Divide by total weight.

    79.5 / 100 = 0.795

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.795 × 100 = 79.5%

Percentages Result: 79.5%

Compare Results
Method Final Grade What is happening?
Total Points 76.54% Large exams (100-point assignments) influence the grade more than assignments with lower max points.
Total Points with Weight 79.5% Assignment type categories are weighted, but higher-point exams still matter within those categories.
Percentages 79.5% Each assignment counts equally within its category.
Homework - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Homework 1

 9 10 1
Homework 2 8 10 1
Quizzes - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Quiz 1

 18 20 1
Quiz 2 14 20 1
Exams - Weight 40%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Exam 1

 90 100 1
Exam 2 30 50 1

Exams 1 and 2 have different maximum points.

  1. Calculate total points earned.

    1. Multiply each score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (9×1) + (8×1) + (18×1) + (14×1) + (90×1) + (30×1) = 169

  2. Calculate total maximum points.

    1. Multiply each maximum score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (10×1) + (10×1) + (20×1) + (20×1) + (100×1) + (50×1) = 210

  3. Divide total points earned by total max points.

    169/ 210= 0.8048

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.8048× 100 = 80.48

Total Points Result: 80.48%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Multiply earned points by the factor, then add the results.

    2. Multiply the max points by the factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide earned points total by max points total.

    Homework: (9×1 + 8×1) / (10×1 + 10×1) = 17/20 = 0.85

    Quizzes: (18×1 + 14×1) / (20×1 + 20×1) = 32/40 = 0.80

    Exams: (90×1 + 30×1) / (100×1 + 50×1) = 120/150 = 0.80

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (0.85×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.80×40) = 81.5

  3. Divide by total weight.

    81.5 / 100 = 0.815

  4. Multiply by 100 to get final grade.

    0.815 × 100 = 81.5%

Total Points with Weight Result: 81.5%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Convert each assignment grade to a percentage.

    2. Multiply the percentages by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide the total by the sum of the factors.

    Homework: (0.90×1 + 0.80×1) / (1+1) = 1.7 / 2 = 0.85

    Quizzes: (0.90×1 + 0.70×1) / (1+1) = 1.6 / 2 = 0.80

    Exams: (0.90×1 + 0.60×1) / (1+1) = 1.5 / 0.75

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (0.85×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.75×40) = 79.5

  3.  Divide by total weight.

    79.5 / 100 = 0.795

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.795 × 100 = 79.5%

Percentages Result: 79.5%

Compare Results
Method Final Grade What is happening?
Total Points 80.48% Large exams (100-point assignments) influence the grade more than assignments with lower max points.
Total Points with Weight 81.5% Assignment type categories are weighted, but assignment size still matters within each category. The 100-point exam has more impact than the 50-point exam.
Percentages 79.5% All exams count equally, even though one is worth more points.

Gradebook Calculation Examples with Extra Credit

Extra credit points are not added directly to the cumulative grade. Instead, they are factored into the overall grade based on the gradebook calculation method selected. For more information, see Extra Credit.

Homework - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Homework 1

 9 10 1
Homework 2 8 10 1
Extra Credit 5 5 (excluded from calculation) 1
Quizzes - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Quiz 1

 18 20 1
Quiz 2 14 20 1
Exams - Weight 40%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Exam 1

 90 100 1
Exam 2 60 100 1

Note: The maximum points are the same for all assignments within their assignment types. The Homework category includes an extra credit assignment.

Tip: The extra credit assignment is bold in example calculations.

  1. Calculate total points earned.

    1. Multiply each score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (9×1) + (8×1) + (5×1) + (18×1) + (14×1) + (90×1) + (60×1) = 204

  2. Calculate total maximum points excluding extra credit.

    1. Multiply each maximum score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (10×1) + (10×1) + (20×1) + (20×1) + (100×1) + (100×1) = 260

  3. Divide total points earned by total max points.

    204/ 260 = 0.7846

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.7846 × 100 = 78.46

Total Points Result: 78.46%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Multiply earned points by the factor, then add the results.

    2. Excluding extra credit, multiply the max points by the factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide earned points total by max points total.

    Homework: (9×1 + 8×1 5×1) / (10×1 + 10×1) = 22/20 = 1.1

    Quizzes: (18×1 + 14×1) / (20×1 + 20×1) = 32/40 = 0.80

    Exams: (90×1 + 60×1) / (100×1 + 100×1) = 150/200 = 0.75

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (1.1 ×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.75×40) = 87.0

  3. Divide by total weight.

    87 / 100 = .870

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.870 × 100 = 87.0%

Total Points with Weight Result: 87%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Convert each assignment grade to a percentage.

    2. Multiply the percentages by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide the total by the sum of the factors, excluding extra credit.

    Homework: (0.90×1 + 0.80×1 + 1.0 ×1) / (1+1) = 2.7/2 = 1.35

    Quizzes: (0.90×1 + 0.70×1) / (1+1) = = 1.6/2 = 0.80

    Exams: (0.90×1 + 0.60×1) / (1+1) = 1.5/2 = 0.75

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (1.35×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.75×40) = 94.5

  3. Divide by total weight.

    94.5 / 100 = 0.945

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.945 × 100 = 94.5%

Percentages Result: 94.5%

Compare Results
Method Final Grade What is happening?
Total Points 78.46% Extra credit adds to total points earned but is not included in total max points, so the overall percentage increases slightly.
Total Points with Weight 87% Extra credit increases the Homework earned points without increasing max points, raising the category above 100 percent. This boosts the weighted contribution of Homework to the final grade.
Percentages 94.5% Each assignment counts equally within its category so the extra credit assignment, although only worth 5 points, has a significant impact on the Homework category and cumulative grade.
Homework - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Homework 1

 9 10 1
Homework 2 8 10 1
Extra Credit 5 5 (excluded from calculation) 1
Quizzes - Weight 30%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Quiz 1

 18 20 1
Quiz 2 14 20 1
Exams - Weight 40%      
Assignment Points Earned Maximum Points Factor

Exam 1

 90 100 1
Exam 2 30 50 1

Note: Exams 1 and 2 have different maximum points and the Homework category includes an extra credit assignment.

Tip: The extra credit assignment is bold in example calculations.

  1. Calculate total points earned.

    1. Multiply each score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (9×1) + (8×1) + (5×1) + (18×1) + (14×1) + (90×1) + (30×1) = 174

  2. Calculate total maximum points, excluding extra credit.

    1. Multiply each maximum score by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    (10×1) + (10×1) + (20×1) + (20×1) + (100×1) + (50×1) = 210

  3. Divide total points earned by total max points.

    174/ 210= 0.8286

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.8286 × 100 = 82.86

Total Points Result: 82.86%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Multiply earned points by the factor, then add the results.

    2. Excluding extra credit, multiply the max points by the factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide earned points total by max points total.

    Homework: (9×1 + 8×1 + 5×1) / (10×1 + 10×1) = 22/20 = 1.10

    Quizzes: (18×1 + 14×1) / (20×1 + 20×1) = 32/40 = 0.80

    Exams: (90×1 + 30×1) / (100×1 + 50×1) = 120/150 = 0.80

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (1.10×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.80×40) = 89.0

  3. Divide by total weight.

    89.0 / 100 = 0.89

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.89 × 100 = 89.0%

Total Points with Weight Result: 89%

  1. Calculate assignment type grades.

    1. Convert each assignment grade to a percentage.

    2. Multiply the percentages by the assignment factor, then add the results.

    3. Divide the total by the sum of the factors, excluding extra credit.

    Homework: (0.90×1 + 0.80×1 + 1.0 ×1) / (1+1) = 2.7 / 2 = 1.35

    Quizzes: (0.90×1 + 0.70×1) / (1+1) = 1.6 / 2 = 1.6/2 = 0.80

    Exams: (0.90×1 + 0.60×1) / (1+1) = 1.5 /2 = 0.75

  2. Apply weights.

    1. Multiply each assignment type grade by its weight, then add the results.

    (1.35×30) + (0.80×30) + (0.75×40) = 94.5

  3. Divide by total weight.

    94.5 / 100 = 0.945

  4. Multiply by 100.

    0.945 × 100 =94.5%

Percentages Result: 94.5%

Compare Results
Method Final Grade What is happening?
Total Points 82.86% Extra credit adds to total points earned but is not included in total max points, so the overall percentage increases slightly.
Total Points with Weight 89% Extra credit increases the Homework earned points without increasing max points, raising the category above 100 percent. This boosts the weighted contribution of Homework to the final grade.
Percentages 94.5% Each assignment counts equally within its category so the extra credit assignment, although only worth 5 points, has a significant impact on the Homework category and cumulative grade.

Note: For more details and calculation examples, see Gradebook Calculations.

Total Points

How it works: Adds all points earned and divides by total maximum points.

Best for: Straight point-based grading with no assignment type weighting.

Key behaviors:

  • Large assignments have more impact.

  • Assignment type categories are not considered.

Formula: (Sum (Points earned × Assignment factor) / Sum (Maximum points × Assignment factor)) × 100 = Cumulative grade

Total Points with Weight

How it works: Calculates a point-based grade within each category, then applies assignment type weights.

Best for: Weighted assignment types where assignments within a type may have different maximum point values.

Key behavior:

  • Assignment types are weighted.

  • Larger assignments still have more influence within each assignment type category.

Formula:

First: For each assignment type: Sum (Points earned × Assignment factor) / Sum (Maximum points × Assignment factor) = Assignment type grade

Next: (Sum (Assignment type grade × Weight) / Sum (Weight)) × 100 = Cumulative grade

Percentages

How it works: Converts each assignment to a percentage, averages those percentages within assignment type categories, then applies weights.

Best for: Weighted assignment types where all assignments should count equally, regardless of maximum points.

Key behavior:

  • Assignment types are weighted.

  • All assignments are equal within an assignment type, regardless of point value.

Formula:

First: For each assignment type: Sum ((Points earned / Maximum points) × Assignment factor) / Sum (Assignment factor) = Assignment type grade

Next: (Sum (Assignment type grade × Weight) / Sum (Weight))× 100 = Cumulative grade

Quick Decision Tip

  • Choose Total Points if grading is based on total points only.

  • Choose Total Points with Weight if both category weighting and assignment size should matter.

  • Choose Percentages if category weighting matters, but assignments contribute equally regardless of max points.