Education

Grade Curve Calculator

Apply flat, top-score or square-root curves to a raw score instantly.

Enter your values

Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed.

Results
Curved score
77 %
Letter grade
C+
Points gained
5

Working

  1. 172 + 5 = 77
  2. 2Capped at 100 and mapped to a letter grade: C+

Quick answer

A grade curve adjusts raw scores upward. The three common methods are a flat curve (add n points), a top-score curve (scale so the highest score becomes 100) and a square-root curve (√score × 10).

Flat: raw + n · Top score: raw × 100 / highest · Square root: √raw × 10

How to use the Grade Curve Calculator

  1. 1Enter the raw score.
  2. 2Choose the curve your instructor uses.
  3. 3Read the curved percentage and letter grade.

Frequently asked questions

What is a square-root curve?

Take the square root of the raw percentage and multiply by 10. A 64 becomes 80, a 49 becomes 70. Low scores gain the most and a 100 stays 100.

Is curving grades fair?

A flat or square-root curve raises everyone, so relative rank is unchanged. A strict bell curve, where a fixed share must receive each grade, can lower grades and is more controversial.