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Canvas calculates final grades by summing points earned and dividing by points possible — but the exact process depends on whether you use weighted assignment groups.

If You Use Weighted Assignment Groups

In Canvas, the point values of assignments within a weighted group matter. Assignments with more points have a larger impact on the group’s overall score. Canvas does not simply average assignment percentages equally like you could choose to do in Brightspace.

Canvas calculates grades for each assignment group as follows:

  1. Calculate the group percentage – Canvas adds up the total points earned and total points possible for all assignments in the group, then divides points earned by points possible.

  2. Apply the group weight – That percentage is multiplied by the assignment group’s weight (the portion of the final grade assigned to the group).

  3. Sum across all groups – Canvas adds the weighted scores from all assignment groups to determine the final course grade.

Example: If you have two tests in a “Tests” group—one worth 100 points and the other 50 points—Canvas adds the points earned across both tests and divides by 150 total points, then multiplies by the group’s weight. The result is the contribution of that group to the final course grade.

You can learn more in the Canvas tutorial: How do I weight the final course grade based on assignment groups?

If You Do NOT Use Weighted Assignment Groups

  • Canvas calculates the total points earned across all assignments and divides by the total points possible for the entire course.
  • Every point in the course weighs equally toward the final grade, regardless of which group its in.
  • Larger point-value assignments will influence the final grade more because they are worth more points.

Student total points earned on graded items: 879
Maximum total points assigned to all graded items: 1019

879 points ÷ 1019 points = 0.8626
0.8626 x 100 = 86.26% Final Grade

Tips for Setting Up Your Gradebook

  1. Use Weighted Groups to Match Your Syllabus
    Assign a percentage weight to each assignment group so Canvas calculates final grades based on those weights.
  2. Keep Assignment Point Values Consistent Within Groups
    If you want assignments to count equally within a group, try to give them similar point values.
  3. Review Your Gradebook Settings Early
    Make sure your groups and weights match your syllabus before the semester begins.
  4. Communicate Your Grading Policy Clearly
    Please make sure students understand how their grades are calculated and how different assignments influence their final grade.