How to grade a test quickly with a score chart
The fastest way to grade a pile of papers is not to calculate each one. Print a chart that lists the percentage and letter grade for every possible score, keep it beside the pile and read the result straight off. Here is how to build one and use it.
The short version
- Enter the number of questions (or the total points).
- Set the grade scale to match your school's cut-offs.
- Print the chart and keep it with the papers.
- Count wrong answers on each paper and read off the grade.
Skip the arithmetic. The free Easy Grader does this for you, shows the formula and the working with your own numbers, and runs in your browser - nothing you type is uploaded. Also useful: Grade Calculator, Percentage Calculator.
Why count wrong answers?
Most teachers mark mistakes, so it is quicker to count wrong answers than right ones. The chart lists both, so you can look up either number.
A chart for a 20-question test
| Wrong | Right | % | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 20 | 100 | A |
| 1 | 19 | 95 | A |
| 2 | 18 | 90 | A |
| 3 | 17 | 85 | B |
| 4 | 16 | 80 | B |
| 5 | 15 | 75 | C |
Points and partial credit
If questions carry different marks, work in points: enter the total points and a step of 1, 0.5 or 0.25 to match your partial credit, and the chart lists every possible score. If every question is worth the same, set the points per question instead - 20 questions at 5 points each is charted out of 100.
Check your scale
Letter-grade cut-offs are decided by your school or department, not by a universal rule. Common examples are A 90, B 80, C 70, D 60, or a plus/minus version. Edit the cut-offs so the chart matches your policy, and decide in advance how you round, because 89.5% is an A at some schools and a B at others.
A worked example with partial credit
A 40-point exam where examiners give half marks. The chart in half-point steps lists every possible score, so a paper with 33.5 points is read straight off:
If you round to one decimal place, 83.75% becomes 83.8%. Decide your rounding rule before you start so every paper is treated the same way.
Tips
- Pick the number of questions so the percentages come out cleanly: 20 questions makes each one 5%, 25 makes each one 4%.
- Mark one question at a time down the whole stack, then total each paper; you make fewer mistakes.
- Keep a second copy of the chart for students if you want them to check their own result.