How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose maximum marks.
- Enter or choose pass percentage.
- Enter or choose your marks.
- The minimum whole marks to pass updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Pass mark = Maximum × Pass% ÷ 100; Whole marks = ⌈Pass mark⌉; Margin = Your marks − Pass mark
- Maximum
- maximum marks for the paper
- Pass%
- minimum percentage required to pass
Worked example
- Pass mark = 80 × 33 ÷ 100 = 26.4.
- Marks are whole numbers, so you need at least 27.
- 30 marks is 30 ÷ 80 = 37.5%, which is 3.6 above the exact pass mark.
At 33%, an 80-mark paper needs 27 marks to pass; 30 marks passes with 3.6 to spare.
What the result means
Some boards round the pass mark down or award grace marks, and some require a separate pass in theory and practical components. Check the rules for your exam.
Assumptions and limits
- A single pass percentage applies to the whole paper.
- Grace marks, moderation and separate component minimums are not modelled.
Questions
Why round the pass mark up?
If marks are awarded in whole numbers, 26 would be below 26.4, so 27 is the smallest score that meets the requirement.
What pass percentage should I use?
Use the one your board, university or teacher publishes for that exam; it varies widely.