What this calculates
Enter the marks you got and the total marks, and this gives your percentage, the marks you lost, and how many marks a target percentage — a pass mark, a first class or an admission cut-off — needs out of the same total, with how far above or below it you are.
The formula
Percentage
marks obtained ÷ total marks × 100Marks needed
target% × total marks ÷ 100, rounded up to a whole markFor more than one subject, add the marks and the totals first, then divide.
Worked example
With 287 out of 500, the percentage is 57.4% — 13 marks short of 60%. And a 35% pass out of 70 marks needs 25 marks, because 24.5 rounds up.
When to use it, and the mistakes to avoid
Use it for exam and test results, report cards, board and university marksheets, and to work out the marks you need in the papers still to come.
The mistakes that cost the most:
- Averaging subject percentages. If papers have different maximums, add the marks and totals instead — averaging gives the wrong answer.
- Rounding the percentage up too soon. 59.6% is not 60% unless your board says so; check its rounding rule.
- Swapping the numbers. It is marks obtained divided by total marks, never the other way round.
- Rounding the marks needed down. A cut-off is a minimum, so always round up.
- Guessing a CGPA conversion. Use your board's or university's own formula.
FAQ
How do I calculate the percentage of my marks?
Divide the marks you got by the total marks, then multiply by 100. 432 out of 500 is 432 ÷ 500 = 0.864, and 0.864 × 100 = 86.4%.
How do I find my percentage across several subjects?
Add up the marks in every subject, add up the maximum marks, and divide the first total by the second. Five papers of 100 with marks of 92, 85, 78, 88 and 89 make 432 out of 500 - 86.4%. Do not average the subject percentages unless every paper has the same maximum.
How many marks do I need to pass?
Multiply the pass percentage by the total and divide by 100, rounding up. A 35% pass out of 70 marks is 24.5, so you need 25. Enter your target percentage and the calculator works this out for you.
Why are the marks needed rounded up?
Because a pass or a cut-off is a minimum. 24.5 marks is the exact 35% of 70, but if marks come in whole numbers, 24 falls short - 25 is the least that reaches it.
Can this convert my percentage to CGPA?
No, on purpose. Boards and universities each have their own conversion - some multiply the CGPA by 9.5, some by 10, some use other formulas - and a wrong conversion could cost you an application. Use the formula printed on your marksheet or your university's rules.
Can I enter half marks?
Yes. Marks obtained can be in halves, such as 75.5 out of 120, which is 62.92%.