Semester Grade Calculator
Last updated: October 13, 2026
A semester grade combines the grades from each part of the semester, usually two terms or four quarters plus a final exam. Most schools weight the parts differently, so you cannot just average them. Enter each grade and its weight below to calculate your semester grade, then read on to check the result by hand.
The semester grade formula
Semester grade = (term 1 × weight) + (term 2 × weight) + (final × weight)
Write each weight as a decimal (40% is 0.40). The weights must add up to 100%. Your syllabus or school handbook has the weights, and they vary a lot, so use the ones that apply to you.
| Method | How it works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Average of two terms | Each term counts equally | (88 + 82) ÷ 2 = 85 |
| Two terms plus a final | Terms 40% each, final 20% | 88 × 0.4 + 82 × 0.4 + 90 × 0.2 = 86 |
| Four quarters plus exams | Quarters 40% each, exams 10% each | Weights add up to 100% |
| Total points | All points earned over all points possible | 425 ÷ 500 = 85% |
Worked example: two terms and a final
- Quarter 1: 88 × 0.40 = 35.2
- Quarter 2: 82 × 0.40 = 32.8
- Final exam: 90 × 0.20 = 18
Add them up: 35.2 + 32.8 + 18 = 86. Your semester grade is 86%.
Semester grade with four quarters
Some schools grade four quarters and two exams, with each quarter worth 40% of its semester and the exam 20%. Calculate each semester separately: for the first semester, use quarters 1 and 2 and the midterm. For the year, average the two semester grades unless your school says otherwise.
Semester grade in a points-based class
If your class does not use weights, add every point you earned across the semester and divide by the points possible. With 425 out of 500 points, the semester grade is 85%. See how to calculate your grade in a class.
Before the final: your grade so far
If the final has not happened yet, leave it blank in the calculator. It then divides by the weight of the graded parts, which gives your grade so far. The full method is in how to calculate your semester grade without the final.
What you need on the final
To work backwards from the semester grade you want, use what do I need on my final. Enter your grade before the final, the final’s weight and your goal.
Turn it into a letter grade or GPA
Match the percentage to your school’s scale using the letter grade scale. To fold the result into a GPA, see how to calculate your GPA.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate your semester grade?
Multiply each term’s grade and the final exam grade by its weight as a decimal, then add the results. With 88 and 82 at 40% each and a 90 final at 20%, the semester grade is 86%.
Is a semester grade the average of two quarters?
Only if your school counts each quarter equally and has no final. When a final exam counts, it carries its own weight and the quarters share the rest.
How much is the final worth in a semester grade?
It depends on the school. Many use between 10% and 25%. Check your syllabus or handbook for the exact figure.
Can I calculate my semester grade before the final?
Yes. Divide the weighted points you have by the combined weight of the graded parts. That is your grade so far.
Calculate it automatically
Paste your gradebook into Grade Calculator and the table fills in on its own. Change any score, or add an upcoming assignment, to see your class grade update.