Test Average Calculator
Enter your test or quiz scores, each out of its own total, and get the average percentage, the letter grade and the number of tests counted. Then set a target average and see the score you need on the next test to reach it. Free, no sign-up.
Test Scores
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
90.0%
Average
A-
Letter grade
2
Tests counted
(88% + 92%) ÷ 2 = 90.00%
What Do I Need on the Next Test?
You need at least 90.0% on the next test to reach your target average.
needed = target × (n + 1) − average × n = 90 × 3 − 90 × 2 = 90%
How to Use the Test Average Calculator
- 1. Enter each score. Type the points you earned and, in Out of, the points possible. The widget starts at 100 per test; change it for a 50-point quiz or a 20-point test. Add as many rows as you need.
- 2. Read the average. The average percentage, the letter grade and the number of tests counted appear as you type, with the working shown. A row with no score is skipped.
- 3. Set a target. In What Do I Need on the Next Test? type the average you want. You see the minimum score on one more test, or a note that the target is already secured or out of reach.
- 4. Repeat for a different goal. Change the target to compare, for example, a 90 with an 85.
How the Average Is Calculated
Each score is turned into a percentage (score ÷ points possible × 100), and the percentages are averaged. Every test counts equally, whatever its point total. This differs from adding up all points and dividing by all points possible, which makes bigger tests count for more.
Three tests with different totals
Test 1: 45 out of 50 = 90%
Test 2: 70 out of 100 = 70%
Test 3: 18 out of 20 = 90%
Average of percentages = (90 + 70 + 90) ÷ 3 = 83.33%, a B on this scale
Pooled points would give 133 ÷ 170 = 78.2%, because the 100-point test weighs more
Which one is right depends on your teacher. Most test averages treat each test equally, which is what this calculator does. If larger tests should count for more, or categories have set weights, use the Weighted Grade Calculator or the Weighted Average Calculator.
The Next-Test Formula
To average T over n + 1 tests, the percentages must add up to T × (n + 1). You already hold average × n, so needed = T × (n + 1) − average × n. For the three tests above and a target of 85: 85 × 4 − 83.33 × 3 = 340 − 250 = 90, so you need 90.0% on the fourth test. A needed score of zero or below means the target is already secured, and above 100 means one more test cannot get you there.
The solver assumes the next test is out of the same scale as the others and counts equally. If the next test is worth more or less, or you will take several more, use the Weighted Grade Calculator or work out the combined total yourself.
Which Grade Tool Do You Need?
| You want to know | Use |
|---|---|
| The plain average of tests or quizzes | This Test Average Calculator |
| A course grade from weighted categories | Weighted Grade Calculator |
| The score needed on a final exam | Final Grade Calculator |
| The letter grade for one percentage, on your scale | Letter Grade Calculator |
| Mean, median, mode and spread of a list | Statistics Calculator |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I calculate my test average?
- Convert each test to a percentage (score ÷ points possible × 100), add the percentages and divide by the number of tests. Scores of 90%, 70% and 90% average 83.3%. The calculator does this as you type.
- Can I enter tests that are out of different point totals?
- Yes. Give each test its own points-possible value. Every test is converted to a percentage first, so a 45 out of 50 and an 88 out of 100 count as 90% and 88%, equally.
- How does the next-test calculation work?
- To average T over n + 1 tests, the percentages must total T × (n + 1). Subtract the total you already have (your average times n) and the remainder is the score needed on the next test.
- What if the score needed is over 100%?
- Your target cannot be reached with one more test. You would need extra credit, several higher scores or a dropped low score. Lower the target to see what is realistic.
- Does this calculator weight some tests more than others?
- No. Every test counts equally, which matches how most teachers average test scores. For unequal weights use the Weighted Grade Calculator or the Weighted Average Calculator.
- Is the average of percentages the same as total points divided by total possible?
- Only when every test has the same total. With different totals the two differ: 90%, 70% and 90% on tests out of 50, 100 and 20 average 83.3%, but total points give 78.2%. Ask your teacher which method the gradebook uses.