Figuring a Weighted Average Grade
In many classes grades are figured using a total points average. These grades are figured by adding
all the points earned in a grading period and dividing the sum by the number of points possible. Grades
in this class are computed using a weighted average. The weights are simply an indication of how
much each assignment type affects the overall class grade. The weights for this class as follows:
Tests
50%
Quizzes
25%
Homework and other assignments
25%
To figure a weighted average grade, take a look at the example grades below for Toby:
Assignment
Points
received
Points
Possible
Homework 1
15
15
Homework 2
12
15
Quiz 1
9
10
Homework 3
10
15
Quiz 2
4
10
Homework 4
15
15
Quiz 3
7
10
Test 1
82
100
To figure Toby’s overall grade we must first figure his total points average for each category.
Homework:
Points received =15 + 12 + 10 + 15 = 52
Points possible =15 + 15 + 15 + 15 = 60
Average = 52 ÷ 60 = .867 (86.7%)
Quiz:
Points received =9 + 4 + 7 = 20
Points possible =10 + 10 + 10 = 30
Average = 20 ÷ 30= .667 (66.7%)
Test:
Points received =82
Points possible =100
Average = .82 (82%)
Next we compute the weighted average for each category by multiplying the total points average by the
weight. (Note: this can be done either by writing the category averages as decimals and the weights as
percents or vice versa.)
Homework weighted average = .867 × 25 = 21.67
Quiz weighted average = .667 × 25 = 16.67
Test weighted average = .82 × 50 = 41
Toby’s final grade is figured by adding the weighted averages.
Final grade = 21.67 + 16.67 + 41 = 79.34% (rounded to the nearest hundredth)