Got your test back and want the percentage? The quick answer: Percentage = (marks obtained ÷ total marks) × 100. So 45 out of 60 is 45 ÷ 60 = 0.75, and 0.75 × 100 = 75%.
Below are worked examples for a single test, a whole report card, and the reverse question: how many marks you need to hit a target percentage. To skip the maths, use the free Marks to Percentage & Grade Converter.
Quick examples
| Marks | Calculation | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 18 / 20 | 18 ÷ 20 × 100 | 90% |
| 45 / 60 | 45 ÷ 60 × 100 | 75% |
| 72 / 80 | 72 ÷ 80 × 100 | 90% |
| 33 / 50 | 33 ÷ 50 × 100 | 66% |
| 412 / 500 | 412 ÷ 500 × 100 | 82.4% |
How to calculate the percentage for one test
- Divide the marks you got by the total marks available.
- Multiply the result by 100.
- Round to one or two decimal places if needed.
Example: 57 out of 75 → 57 ÷ 75 = 0.76 → 0.76 × 100 = 76%.
How to calculate the percentage for all subjects
Add up the marks you got in every subject, add up the total marks for every subject, then divide.
Example: Maths 88/100, English 76/100, Science 91/100, History 69/100, Art 88/100. You scored 412 out of 500, so 412 ÷ 500 × 100 = 82.4%.
If subjects have different totals (say one is out of 50 and another out of 150), still add the raw marks and the raw totals. Averaging the individual percentages gives the wrong answer when the totals differ.
How many marks do I need for a target percentage?
Flip the formula: Marks needed = target % × total marks ÷ 100.
Example: to get 80% on a test out of 120, you need 80 × 120 ÷ 100 = 96 marks. The Test Score Calculator does this for any test, including how many questions you can miss.
Percentage vs percentage points
If you went from 60% to 72%, that is a rise of 12 percentage points, but a 20% improvement (12 ÷ 60 × 100). Both are correct; they measure different things. For other percentage problems, try the Percentage Calculator.
Common mistakes
- Averaging percentages from tests with different totals. Add raw marks instead.
- Forgetting bonus marks. Check whether bonus marks count toward the total or only your score.
- Rounding too early. Round only at the end to avoid small errors.
- Mixing up weighted grades. If assignments carry different weights, use the weighted Grade Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate percentage of marks out of 500?
Divide your total marks by 500 and multiply by 100. For example, 430 out of 500 is 86%.
What percentage is 40 out of 50?
40 ÷ 50 × 100 = 80%.
How do I convert my percentage to a letter grade?
It depends on your school’s scale. On many US scales, 90% and above is an A and 80–89% is a B. The converter shows the grade for common scales.
Related: the Student Study Planner & GPA Tracker keeps your grades, deadlines and timetable in one Excel file.
Related guides
- How to Calculate Percentage Increase or Decrease in Your Marks
- How to Calculate Your Test Score Percentage (and What Grade It Is)
- Attendance Percentage Calculator: How Many Classes Can You Miss?
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