Grading & Academic Glossary
Explore precise definitions, real-world classroom examples, and mathematical equations for every grading concept used in American high schools, universities, and homeschool programs.
Academic Average
The composite score representing a student's overall academic achievement across all enrolled courses within a term.
Assignment Weight
The proportional percentage value assigned to an assignment or category as specified in a course syllabus.
Average Grade
The arithmetic mean of multiple assignment or test scores.
Class Average
The arithmetic mean of all student scores on a specific test, assignment, or overall course.
Cumulative GPA
The overall combined grade point average representing all semesters and courses completed throughout an entire high school, undergraduate, or graduate program.
Extra Credit
Optional assignments, bonus questions, or academic activities that add points directly to a student's earned score without increasing total possible points.
Final Grade
The comprehensive composite score awarded to a student at the completion of a course semester, combining all coursework and final evaluations.
Grade Average
The average score of coursework completed to date within a class.
Grade Percentage
The numeric representation of points earned relative to 100.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A standardized numerical representation of academic achievement, calculated by converting letter grades into quality points (typically 0.0 to 4.0) weighted by course credit hours.
Grade Scale
A structured conversion framework used by schools and institutions to translate percentage ranges into letter grades (A-F) and corresponding GPA point values.
Letter Grade
A categorical letter symbol representing student performance on an assessment or full course.
Midterm Grade
An evaluative mark reported at the midpoint of an academic semester.
Percentage Grade
A score scaled to a maximum of 100 percentage points.
Points-Based Grading
An assessment system where each assignment is worth an absolute number of points, and grades are calculated by dividing all points earned by total points offered.
Unweighted GPA
A grade point average scale measuring all courses on a standard 4.0 ceiling without rigor multipliers.
Unweighted Grade
A grading system where every point or assignment carries identical proportional value, calculated as total earned points divided by total possible points.
Weighted GPA
A grade point average scale that assigns higher numerical point values to advanced, Honors (+0.5), and Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses (+1.0), reaching maximums of 5.0.
Weighted Grade
A final grade calculated by multiplying individual assignment category scores by pre-assigned percentage weights according to the course syllabus.