Dropped Assignments, Curves, and Extra Credit

Adjust the Input Before You Trust the Output

Dropped assignments, curves, and extra credit can all change a grade calculation. The calculator is doing arithmetic, but the syllabus decides which scores belong in that arithmetic. When a grading rule changes the score, update the category average first.

Dropped Assignments

If the lowest quiz is dropped, remove that quiz from the category average before entering the score. Do not enter the old average and expect the calculator to know which assignment was dropped.

Curves

A curve can be added to an exam, a category, or the final course grade. These are different. A 5-point exam curve changes the exam category. A final course curve changes the result after all categories are calculated. If the instructor has not published the curve, model both the current uncurved grade and a possible curved scenario.

Extra Credit

Extra credit may add to a specific category, add to total points, or add to the final course grade. If extra credit is part of a category, include it in that category percentage. If it is added after the final grade, calculate the regular grade first and add the extra credit separately.

Best Practice

Keep one calculator scenario for the current official gradebook and another for possible adjustments. The Grade Calculatorcan show how much those adjustments matter, but your instructor's gradebook is the source of truth.