When combining several grades, first check whether each result has the same weight. A simple average gives every grade equal importance. A weighted average gives exams, tests or subjects different importance according to their weighting.
Calculate a simple grade average
Add all grades and divide the sum by the number of grades. Example: grades 2, 3 and 1 give (2 + 3 + 1) ÷ 3 = 2.0.
Calculate a weighted average
Multiply each grade by its weight, add the results and divide by the total of the weights. Example: grade 2 has weight two, grade 3 has weight three and grade 1 has weight one. The result is (2 × 2 + 3 × 3 + 1 × 1) ÷ (2 + 3 + 1) = 2.0. Check that your school or university actually uses those weights.
Use the grade calculator to enter weighted grades. The average calculator handles a simple mean, while the percentage calculator can convert points into percentages.
Check the grading scale and rounding rules
A calculated average is not automatically the official final grade. Rounding rules, minimum requirements, exam regulations and the weight of individual components vary by school, federal state and university. Follow the rules published by your institution.
Germany’s Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs publishes statistics on final secondary-school grades. Its Abitur grade statistics are a data source, not a substitute for your individual examination regulations.
Avoid common mistakes
- Do not forget weights or apply them twice.
- Compare grades that use the same scale.
- Avoid rounding intermediate results too early.
- Check whether a grade is excluded or receives special weighting.
The calculator gives a mathematical average. Your institution’s rules determine the official final grade.
Simple versus weighted average
In a simple average, every grade has the same importance. In a weighted average, each assessment has a weight—for example, an exam may count twice as much as a short quiz. Multiply each grade by its weight, add the results and divide by the sum of all weights. Round only at the end and check the rules used by your school or university.
Can a higher grade make the average worse?
A higher grade cannot lower the average when all weights are positive. Its effect may simply be small when the assessment has only a low weighting.