Grading
Proportional curve
Rescales so the highest raw score becomes 100. Preserves the ratio between every pair of students.
The Formula
curved = score / highest x 100
Rescales so the highest raw score becomes 100. Preserves the ratio between every pair of students.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| c | Curved score | % | The mark after rescaling, out of 100. |
| s | Raw score | points | The mark before any curve. |
| s_max | Highest score | points | The best raw mark in the class. |
What Each Symbol Means
c%
Curved score
The mark after rescaling, out of 100.
spoints
Raw score
The mark before any curve.
s_maxpoints
Highest score
The best raw mark in the class.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate a curved 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 Calculate A Curved Grade, filed under Education. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.