Easy Grader Calculator
Enter total questions and number wrong. Grade appears instantly.
Quick Reference: 20-Question Test
How many wrong answers maps to which grade on a 20-question test.
| Wrong | Correct | Score | Grade (US) |
|---|
Common mistakes when grading
Confusing “wrong” with “skipped”
A question left blank is still wrong unless partial credit applies. Count every unanswered question as a missed answer.
Using this for tests with unequal point values
If question 5 is worth 10 points and question 6 is worth 2 points, a simple wrong-answer count will give the wrong grade. Use a weighted calculator.
Assuming the same passing threshold everywhere
60% passes in most US classes. 50% passes in Australian universities. 40% passes at UK undergrad level. The cutoff varies by country, school, and course.
How the Easy Grader Calculator Works
The formula is simple. You subtract the number of wrong answers from the total to get correct answers, then divide by the total and multiply by 100 to get the percentage score.
So if a student got 3 wrong on a 25-question test:
That is a B in the US system, a Distinction in Australia, and a solid 2:1 territory in the UK. The same score means different things depending on where you are, which is why this tool lets you switch grading scales.
Who Uses an Easy Grader
Teachers are the original users. Before any digital tool existed, grading charts were physical laminated cards that teachers kept at their desks. You ran a finger down the “wrong answers” column until you hit the right row and read off the grade. This calculator does the same thing, instantly, for any test size.
Students use it too, especially after getting a paper back with a score like “17/20” and wanting to know what that actually means in percentage terms. Parents use it when reviewing homework or mock exams. And international students use it constantly because the grading systems they grew up with often look nothing like what they encounter abroad.
Grading Scales by Country
United States and Canada
The standard letter grade scale in the US maps percentages like this: A is 90 to 100, B is 80 to 89, C is 70 to 79, D is 60 to 69, and F is anything below 60. Some schools use plus and minus modifiers, so 93 is an A and 91 is an A minus. The GPA equivalent of each letter grade matters most for college admissions and scholarship eligibility.
United Kingdom
UK universities do not use letter grades the same way. At degree level, a First Class Honours requires 70% or above. Upper Second (2:1) runs from 60 to 69. Lower Second (2:2) is 50 to 59. Third is 40 to 49. And anything below 40 is a fail. At GCSE and A-Level, the system uses numerical grades (9 to 1) rather than percentages directly, though underlying marks still determine the grade band.
Australia
Australian universities typically use: High Distinction (HD) for 85 and above, Distinction (D) for 75 to 84, Credit (C) for 65 to 74, Pass (P) for 50 to 64, and Fail (F) for below 50. Some institutions set the HD threshold at 80 rather than 85, so always verify with your specific university handbook.
Table of Truth: Common Test Sizes at a Glance
Here are the percentage scores for different wrong-answer counts across the most common test sizes, so you can quickly sanity-check results without typing anything.
| Wrong | 10 Qs | 20 Qs | 25 Qs | 50 Qs | 100 Qs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 1 | 90% | 95% | 96% | 98% | 99% |
| 2 | 80% | 90% | 92% | 96% | 98% |
| 3 | 70% | 85% | 88% | 94% | 97% |
| 5 | 50% | 75% | 80% | 90% | 95% |
| 10 | 0% | 50% | 60% | 80% | 90% |
| 15 | N/A | 25% | 40% | 70% | 85% |
| 20 | N/A | 0% | 20% | 60% | 80% |
Edge Cases You Should Know
What if some questions are worth more points than others?
This calculator assumes every question carries equal weight. If your test has essay questions worth 20 points each alongside multiple-choice questions worth 1 point each, the wrong-answer approach will give you an inaccurate result. In that case, use a weighted grade calculator that lets you assign different point values per question or section.
What about extra credit questions?
Extra credit questions add points beyond the 100% base. If you got 1 wrong on a 20-question test but also answered a bonus question correctly, your raw score before extra credit is 95%. The bonus then adds on top of that. Enter only the regular questions (not bonus) in the total field, then factor in any bonus points separately.
Can I use this for class grades, not just single tests?
You can, but only if all components carry equal weight. If your class has assignments, a midterm, and a final all weighted differently, use a weighted grade calculator instead. This tool works best for a single test or quiz where every question is worth the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a test grade by hand?
Take the number of correct answers, divide by the total number of questions, and multiply by 100. If you got 17 correct out of 20, that is 17 divided by 20, times 100, which equals 85%. Then map that percentage to a letter grade based on your school’s scale.
Is 70% a good grade?
In the US and Canada, 70% is a C, which is considered satisfactory but not competitive for scholarships or selective programs. In the UK at university level, 70% is a First Class Honours, which is excellent. In Australia, 70% falls in the Credit range, which is solid but below a Distinction. Context matters a lot.
What is a passing grade in the UK?
At UK universities, 40% is the standard passing threshold for a module. Anything below 40% is a fail. However, some modules, particularly at postgraduate level, may require 50% to pass. Always check the specific module handbook.
What is considered a passing grade in Australia?
Most Australian universities set 50% as the minimum passing grade. Below 50% is a Fail (F), and some programs require a minimum Credit (65%) in specific subjects to progress to the next level of study.
Why does the letter grade change when I switch grading scales?
Because different countries use different percentage thresholds for the same letter grade. A score of 65% is a D in the US but a Credit in Australia and a solid pass at UK university level. The underlying number is the same; only the label changes based on local convention.
