How to Calculate Your Final Grade When Given Weighted Scores
Navigating academic grades can be a challenge, especially when different assessments carry different weights. Let's delve into a common scenario faced by students, and see how to calculate the final grade when the final exam makes up a significant portion of the overall assessment.
Understanding Weighted Grades
The key to calculating the final grade lies in understanding how the different components of your grade (midterms, finals, projects, etc.) are weighted. In this article, we'll focus on a specific case where the following details are provided:
Your current average is 93. The final exam is worth 20% of the grade. You scored 68 out of 80 on the final exam.Given these details, we can calculate the final grade to determine if you will pass.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Your Final Grade
First, let's break down the scenario. You currently have an average of 93, which makes up 80% of your grade. You scored 68 out of 80 on the final exam, which is worth 20% of your grade. Here are the steps to calculate your final average:
Calculate the Contribution of Your Current Average:Your current average of 93 can be thought of as your score for 80% of the grade. To convert this into a grade that represents 80% of the total weight, we use the following formula:
0.8 x 93 74.4
So, 93 is equivalent to 74.4% of the overall grade.
Calculate the Contribution of the Final Exam:Your score of 68 out of 80 on the final exam can be converted into a percentage as follows:
68 / 80 85%
This means you scored 85% on the final exam, which is worth 20% of the grade. To calculate its contribution to the overall grade, we use the following formula:
0.2 x 85 17%
Therefore, your score of 68 out of 80 on the final exam is equivalent to 17% of the overall grade.
Combine Both Scores to Get the Final Grade:Now, we add the two percentages to get the final grade:
74.4 17 91.4
Your final grade is 91.4, which is a solid passing score.
Additional Considerations
It's important to note that the exact method of grade calculation might vary depending on the specific policies of your institution. In most cases, schools follow a weighted average system. However, if your teacher has specific grading criteria, they might deviate from this standard method.
If you are using a different method or if your teacher has provided a specific formula, it's essential to follow that. The example above is a general method that is commonly used but it's always a good idea to confirm with your teacher.
FAQs
Q: If My Average Was 93 and I Got 68 on the Final Exam, Will I Fail?A: No, you won't fail. As calculated above, your final grade would be 91.4, which is a passing score.
Q: How Do I Calculate the Final Grade Manually?A: Multiply your current average by 80% and your final exam score (converted into a percentage) by 20%, then add them together to get the final grade.
Q: What If the Final Exam Is a Higher Percentage of the Grade?A: If the final exam is worth a higher percentage, you would follow a similar process but with different weights. For example, if the final exam was 30% of the grade, you would multiply your final exam score by 30% and add it to your current average weighted by 70%.
In conclusion, understanding the calculation of weighted averages is crucial for accurately determining your final grade. Whether it's for midterms, finals, or other assessments, looking at the components and their respective weights will help you make informed decisions about your academic performance.