Semester grade calculator
Most high schools build the semester grade from two quarter (or term) grades plus a semester exam. Enter your grades and your school's weights to see your semester grade, or leave the exam blank to see what you need on it.
- Free, no sign-up
- Works for US, Canada & Australia
- Private: grades stay on your device
How semester grades work
A semester grade combines your quarter (or marking period) grades with a semester or final exam. Your school’s handbook lists the weights. The most common split in US high schools is 40% for each quarter and 20% for the exam.
Semester grade = Q1 × 0.40 + Q2 × 0.40 + Exam × 0.20
Worked example
Quarter 1: 88%. Quarter 2: 81%. Exam weight: 20%.
- Before the exam: (88 × 40 + 81 × 40) ÷ 80 = 84.5%
- To finish with 85% (a B): (85 × 100 − 6,760) ÷ 20 = 87% on the exam
- To finish with 80% (a B-): (8,000 − 6,760) ÷ 20 = 62% on the exam
Common semester weightings
| System | Quarter 1 | Quarter 2 | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 40% | 40% | 20% |
| Light exam | 45% | 45% | 10% |
| Heavy exam | 37.5% | 37.5% | 25% |
| No exam | 50% | 50% | – |
Some districts also cap how much an exam can lower your grade, or exempt students with high averages. Check your handbook before the exam week.
Frequently asked questions
How is a semester grade calculated?
Most schools weight each quarter at 40% and the semester exam at 20%. Multiply each grade by its weight, add them and divide by 100.
What if my school uses 45/45/10?
Change the weight boxes to match your handbook. Common splits are 40/40/20, 45/45/10, 37.5/37.5/25 and 50/50 when there is no exam.
What do I need on my semester exam?
Enter both quarter grades, leave the exam row empty and type your goal in "Grade you want". The calculator shows the exam score you need.
Can I use this for trimesters?
Yes. Add a row for each trimester and set the weights your school uses, for example 30/30/30/10.
Does my semester grade go on my transcript?
In most US high schools, yes. Semester grades are the ones used for credits and GPA, while quarter grades are progress reports.