Test Grade Calculator UK
Calculate test scores, percentage grades, and letter grades instantly. Perfect for UK teachers and students - supports multiple choice, points-based tests, and batch grading.
Select Calculator Mode
Calculate Test Grade
Points Based Test
For tests where questions have different point values (partial credit).
Batch Grade Multiple Students
Enter total questions once, then input each student's score.
Generate Grade Scale
Create a printable grade scale for your test.
Quick Grade Lookup Tables
Reference tables for common test sizes. Find the score and read across for the grade.
20-Question Test
| Score | % | UK Grade | Score | % | UK Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 100% | A* | 10 | 50% | D |
| 19 | 95% | A* | 9 | 45% | E |
| 18 | 90% | A* | 8 | 40% | E |
| 17 | 85% | A | 7 | 35% | F |
| 16 | 80% | A | 6 | 30% | F |
| 15 | 75% | B | 5 | 25% | F |
| 14 | 70% | B | 4 | 20% | U |
| 13 | 65% | C | 3 | 15% | U |
| 12 | 60% | C | 2 | 10% | U |
| 11 | 55% | D | 1 | 5% | U |
50-Question Test
| Score Range | % Range | Grade | Score Range | % Range | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45-50 | 90-100% | A* | 25-29 | 50-59% | D |
| 40-44 | 80-89% | A | 20-24 | 40-49% | E |
| 35-39 | 70-79% | B | 15-19 | 30-39% | F |
| 30-34 | 60-69% | C | 0-14 | 0-29% | U |
UK School Assessment Standards
KS2 SATs Scaled Scores
| Scaled Score | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 110+ | Greater Depth | Exceeding expected standard |
| 100-109 | Expected Standard | Meeting age-related expectations |
| 80-99 | Working Towards | Below expected standard |
Common UK Grading Scales
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GCSE (9-1) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-100% | A* | 9 | Exceptional |
| 80-89% | A | 8 | Excellent |
| 70-79% | B | 7 | Very Good |
| 60-69% | C | 5-6 | Good / Strong Pass |
| 50-59% | D | 4 | Standard Pass |
| 40-49% | E | 3 | Below Pass |
| 30-39% | F | 2 | Limited |
| 0-29% | U | 1 | Unclassified |
Test Grading Formulas
Basic Percentage Formula
Example: 42 correct out of 50 = (42÷50)×100 = 84%
Points-Based Percentage
Example: 78 points out of 100 = (78÷100)×100 = 78%
Score Required for Target Grade
Example: To get 70% on a 50-question test = (70÷100)×50 = 35 correct needed
Class Average
Example: Scores of 75, 82, 68, 90, 85 → (75+82+68+90+85)÷5 = 80% average
7 Tips for Effective Test Grading
- Use a marking overlay: For multiple choice tests, create a transparent answer key that overlays student answer sheets - this speeds up marking significantly.
- Grade one question at a time: For essays/short answers, grade all students' Q1 before moving to Q2. This improves consistency and fairness.
- Set grade boundaries before marking: Decide your A*/A/B/C boundaries before you see the results to avoid unconscious bias.
- Consider partial credit carefully: Award half marks for method shown even if the answer is wrong - this encourages showing working.
- Use a standardised mark scheme: Create detailed mark schemes with allocated points for each component of an answer.
- Review borderline cases: Double-check papers that fall within 2% of a grade boundary - small errors in marking can significantly affect students.
- Keep records of class averages: Track averages over time to identify if a test is too hard/easy, or if teaching improvements are needed.
7 Common Test Grading Mistakes to Avoid
- Counting blank answers as wrong: Some mark schemes distinguish between wrong answers and no attempts - check your assessment policy.
- Inconsistent partial credit: Be consistent - if you give half marks for Q3, apply the same standard to similar questions.
- Not double-checking totals: Simple addition errors are common. Always verify your final mark calculations.
- Using fixed boundaries for different tests: A hard test might need lower boundaries than an easy one. Consider adjusting for difficulty.
- Marking when tired: Grading accuracy decreases significantly when tired. Take breaks and avoid marathon marking sessions.
- Forgetting negative marking rules: Some tests deduct marks for wrong answers - ensure your calculation accounts for this.
- Not saving grade data: Keep records of all grades for appeals, progress tracking, and moderation purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide the number of correct answers by the total number of questions, then multiply by 100.
Formula: (Correct ÷ Total) × 100 = Percentage
Example: 42 correct out of 50 = (42÷50)×100 = 84%
In UK schools, 70% typically equals:
- Letter grade: B
- GCSE: Grade 7
- University: First Class (1st)
However, grade boundaries vary between schools and exam boards.
UK schools use various systems:
- Primary (KS2 SATs): Scaled scores 80-120 (100 = expected)
- Secondary (GCSE): Grades 9-1
- Internal tests: Often A*-F or percentage-based
Schools typically set their own boundaries for classroom assessments.
- Decide your grading bands (A*, A, B, C, D, E, F)
- Set percentage thresholds (90%, 80%, 70%, etc.)
- Multiply each threshold by total marks
Example: For a 50-mark test with A* at 90%: 50 × 0.90 = 45 marks for A*
- KS2 SATs: Scaled score 100+ (approx. 50-60% raw)
- GCSE Grade 4: Typically 35-40%
- A-Level Grade E: Around 30%
- Internal tests: Usually 40% or 50%
Check your school's specific assessment policy for exact pass marks.
Add up all points earned (including partial marks), then divide by total possible points.
Example: Q1: 3/5 + Q2: 4/4 + Q3: 2/3 = 9/12 = 75%
KS2 SATs use scaled scores from 80-120:
- 100+: Expected standard
- 110+: Greater depth
- 80-99: Working towards
Raw marks are converted using tables published each year to ensure fair comparison.
Efficient grading strategies:
- Use a pre-made grade scale lookup table
- Create answer overlays for multiple choice
- Grade one question at a time across all papers
- Use batch grading tools (like this calculator)
- Record marks as you go - don't re-count later
Official UK Education Resources
Authoritative sources for UK assessment and grading:
GOV.UK Assessment
Official guidance on national curriculum assessment, SATs, and statutory testing requirements.
View Assessment GuidanceStandards & Testing Agency
Official SATs scaled score conversion tables and test administration guidance.
Visit STAOfqual
The qualifications regulator for England - guidance on grading standards and assessment.
Visit OfqualTES Resources
Teaching resources including grade calculators, mark schemes, and assessment tools.
Visit TESNAHT Assessment
National Association of Head Teachers guidance on assessment without levels.
Visit NAHTTwinkl Assessment
Teacher resources for formative and summative assessment in UK schools.
Visit TwinklAbout This Calculator
This free Test Grade Calculator has been designed specifically for UK teachers and students. It quickly converts raw scores to percentages and letter grades using UK-standard grading scales.
The calculator includes multiple modes: single test grading, points-based assessment, batch grading for entire classes, and a grade scale generator for creating printable reference tables. All calculations follow standard UK educational assessment practices.
All calculations are performed locally in your browser for instant results. No student data is stored or transmitted - perfect for GDPR compliance in UK schools.
Pro Tips for Accurate Results
- Double-check your input values before calculating
- Use the correct unit format (metric or imperial)
- For complex calculations, break them into smaller steps
- Bookmark this page for quick future access
Understanding Your Results
Our Test Grade Calculator provides:
- Instant calculations - Results appear immediately
- Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
Common Questions
Is this calculator free?
Yes, all our calculators are 100% free to use with no registration required.
Are the results accurate?
Our calculators use verified formulas and are regularly updated for accuracy.
Can I use this on mobile?
Yes, all calculators are fully responsive and work on any device.
People Also Ask
📚 Read Our Comprehensive Guide
Learn more tips, tricks, and detailed explanations to get the most out of this calculator.
Read the Guide →