What is the difference between mean and median in grades?

The 'mean' is the standard average (sum divided by count). The 'median' is the middle score when all grades are lined up in order from lowest to highest. The median is useful when a single unusually low score (like a 0 on a missed quiz) skews your average downward.

Can I drop my lowest grade with this calculator?

Yes, simply look at the statistical summary to identify your lowest score and click the trash can icon next to that row to see how your average improves immediately.

How do I quickly average 10 or more assignments?

Switch to the 'Quick Paste' tab at the top of the calculator and paste your list of numbers separated by commas or spaces (e.g. 85, 92, 78, 100, 88).

Average Grade Calculator

Quickly compute the arithmetic average (mean), median, and score distribution for a list of test grades, quizzes, or homework assignments.

Average Grade Calculator

Calculate arithmetic mean, median, highest, and lowest score across any set of grades.

Enter Individual Scores5 items

Statistical Summary

Grade Average (Mean)

86.6%

Grade: B3.0 GPA

Median Score88%

Total Count5

Highest Score92%

Lowest Score78%

Understanding Mean vs. Median in Academic Grading

While class syllabi use the arithmetic mean as the official overall grade, looking at the median is essential when you have an outlier (such as an unexcused 0% on a missed assignment):

Arithmetic Mean

Mean = Sum of Scores ÷ Count

Reflects every single point earned. Sensitive to extreme low or high outliers.

Statistical Median

Median = Center Value of Sorted List

Represents typical daily performance independent of a single zero score.

How Dropping the Lowest Quiz Boosts Your Grade

Many professors drop your lowest quiz score at the end of the term. Here is a realistic demonstration of how dropping one bad grade dramatically shifts your average:

Five Quiz Scores: 92, 88, 95, 40 (sick day), 90

All 5 Quizzes Included: (92 + 88 + 95 + 40 + 90) ÷ 5 = 405 ÷ 5 = 81.0% (Grade: B-)

Lowest Score (40) Dropped: (92 + 88 + 95 + 90) ÷ 4 = 365 ÷ 4 = 91.25% (Grade: A-)

Dropping the single lowest outlier boosted the final quiz grade by more than 10 full percentage points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Add together all your numerical grades and divide the sum by the total number of grades. Example: If your test scores are 85, 90, and 95: Sum = 85 + 90 + 95 = 270 Average = 270 ÷ 3 = 90.0% (Grade A-).

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