Grade Percentage Calculator
Turn points earned into a percentage and letter grade. e.g. “What grade is 42 out of 50?”
Enter your values
Results update as you type. All calculation happens in your browser.
Methodology
Turn points earned into a percentage and letter grade. This tool uses a standard, documented formula and runs entirely on your device.
Last reviewed January 2026 · Runs client-side
Turning a score into a grade
A grade is simply the share of available points you earned, expressed as a percentage and often a letter. This calculator converts points earned and points possible into both, using a standard letter-grade scale.
It is useful for checking a single assignment or exam quickly, without having to remember where each letter boundary falls.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the points you earned.
- Enter the total points that were possible.
- Read your percentage and the matching letter grade.
What the inputs mean
- Points earned
- Your score on the assignment or test.
- Points possible
- The maximum score available. The percentage is earned divided by this.
Scoring 42 out of 50 is 84%, which lands as a B on a typical letter-grade scale.
The formula, in plain terms
Grade percentage is points earned divided by points possible, times 100, then mapped to a letter band.
Frequently asked questions
Do all schools use the same letter bands?
No. Cut-offs vary between institutions, so treat the letter here as a common default rather than a universal rule.
How is this different from a GPA?
This grades one assessment. A GPA averages letter grades across courses, weighted by credit hours.
Last reviewed January 2026. This explainer is general information, not professional advice.