Each question on a 15-question test is worth 6.67%. On the 10-point scale the lowest A is 14/15 (93.3%), the lowest B is 12/15, the lowest C is 11/15 and the lowest D is 9/15. 8 right or fewer is an F.
15-question grading chart
| Right | Wrong | Percent | Grade | Plus/minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 0 | 100% | A | A |
| 14 | 1 | 93.3% | A | A |
| 13 | 2 | 86.7% | B | B+ |
| 12 | 3 | 80% | B | B− |
| 11 | 4 | 73.3% | C | C |
| 10 | 5 | 66.7% | D | D+ |
| 9 | 6 | 60% | D | D− |
| 8 | 7 | 53.3% | F | F |
| 7 | 8 | 46.7% | F | F |
| 6 | 9 | 40% | F | F |
| 5 | 10 | 33.3% | F | F |
| 4 | 11 | 26.7% | F | F |
| 3 | 12 | 20% | F | F |
| 2 | 13 | 13.3% | F | F |
| 1 | 14 | 6.7% | F | F |
| 0 | 15 | 0% | F | F |
Grades use the 10-point scale (A 90–100, B 80–89, C 70–79, D 60–69, F below 60) on the percentage rounded to a whole number, so 86.7% counts as 87%. The plus/minus column splits each band in thirds, such as B− 80–82, B 83–86 and B+ 87–89: a common split, but schools differ. Your school’s policy has the last word.
Common scores out of 15
- 12/15 is 80%: a B (B− with plus and minus). 2 more right would make it an A.
- 11/15 is 73.3%: a C. 1 more right would make it a B.
- 13/15 is 86.7%: a B (B+ with plus and minus). 1 more right would make it an A.
- 14/15 is 93.3%: an A.
- 10/15 is 66.7%: a D (D+ with plus and minus). 1 more right would make it a C.
The same grade on other test lengths
The score that gives each percentage on the test lengths teachers use most. Where it’s a half score, such as 13.5/15, you need the next whole score (14/15) if you don’t give half points.
| Grade | 15 questions | 20 questions | 25 questions | 30 questions | 50 questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90% (A) | 13.5/15 | 18/20 | 22.5/25 | 27/30 | 45/50 |
| 80% (B) | 12/15 | 16/20 | 20/25 | 24/30 | 40/50 |
| 70% (C) | 10.5/15 | 14/20 | 17.5/25 | 21/30 | 35/50 |
| 60% (D) | 9/15 | 12/20 | 15/25 | 18/30 | 30/50 |
For any other length, use the teacher grade calculator.
Questions
Is 9 out of 15 passing?
9/15 is 60%, a D on the 10-point scale. A D is the lowest passing grade there: Florida’s law calls it “lowest acceptable progress” and anything under 60% a failure. Your course may set a higher pass mark, so check the syllabus.
What is 80% of 15 questions?
12 right. 12/15 is the lowest B on the 10-point scale.
How many can you miss and still get an A?
1 question. 14/15 is 93.3%; one more wrong answer gives 86.7%, a B.
Sources
- Florida Statutes §1003.437, Middle and high school grading system: A 90–100%, B 80–89%, C 70–79%, D 60–69% (“lowest acceptable progress”), F 0–59%.
- College Board BigFuture, How to Calculate Your GPA on a 4.0 Scale: a commonly used chart with A 90–100, B 80–89 and C 70–79; it notes that schools use different cutoffs.