Excel is a powerful tool that allows you to quickly and conveniently calculate grade averages – both simple (arithmetic) and weighted. Check how to do it step by step.
Arithmetic average is the sum of all grades divided by their count.
Excel formula: =AVERAGE(range)
- Enter your grades in cells A1:A5 (e.g., 5, 4, 3, 5, 4)
- Click on an empty cell (e.g., A6)
- Enter the formula: =AVERAGE(A1:A5)
- Press Enter
Result: 4.2
Weighted average takes into account the weights of individual grades (e.g., tests have greater weight than quizzes).
Excel formula: =SUMPRODUCT(grades,weights)/SUM(weights)
- Enter grades in column A (A1:A3): 5, 3, 4
- Enter weights in column B (B1:B3): 5, 2, 1
- In cell C1 enter formula: =SUMPRODUCT(A1:A3,B1:B3)/SUM(B1:B3)
- Press Enter
Result: 4.25
Calculation: (5×5 + 3×2 + 4×1) / (5+2+1) = (25+6+4)/8 = 35/8 = 4.25
You can copy the following structure and paste it into Excel:
- Column A: Grade
- Column B: Weight
- Column C: Description
5 | 5 | Test
3 | 2 | Quiz
4 | 1 | Oral response
In cell D1: =SUMPRODUCT(A1:A3,B1:B3)/SUM(B1:B3)
- You can easily add more grades and weights by expanding the range in the formula
- Excel will automatically recalculate the average after changing values
- Use number formatting (1 decimal place) for better readability
- You can create separate worksheets for different subjects
- Add a column with grade dates to track progress
If you want to calculate overall average from all subjects:
- Calculate the average for each subject separately
- Place subject averages in a new column (e.g., E1:E5)
- Use formula =AVERAGE(E1:E5) to calculate overall average
All the formulas described above work identically in Google Sheets. Just copy the data and formulas – they will work without changes.
If you prefer not to use Excel, use our free online average calculator. It works in the browser and doesn't require installing any software.