Grades
Distance to the next band
How far the current percentage sits below the next letter up. The reverse, against the current band's cut-off, is the cushion you have.
The Formula
points needed = next cut-off - percentage
How far the current percentage sits below the next letter up. The reverse, against the current band's cut-off, is the cushion you have.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Points to the next grade | % | How many percentage points are needed to move up a band. |
| cutoff_next | Next cut-off | % | The lowest percentage of the next band up. |
| percentage | Percentage | % | The score you currently hold. |
What Each Symbol Means
Delta%
Points to the next grade
How many percentage points are needed to move up a band.
cutoff_next%
Next cut-off
The lowest percentage of the next band up.
percentage%
Percentage
The score you currently hold.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to convert a percentage to a letter grade page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Convert A Percentage To A Letter Grade, filed under Education. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.