How to calculate percentage of Marks for school students 

Calculating the percentage of marks is a fundamental skill that every school student should master. It is not only useful for tracking academic performance but also serves as an essential tool for setting goals, identifying areas for improvement, and meeting eligibility criteria for future opportunities. This guide will help you understand the step-by-step process of calculating percentages, ensuring that you get it right every time.

Understanding how to compute percentages is critical in academics because schools, colleges, and various competitive exams use them to evaluate and compare students. Knowing your percentage allows you to measure your performance accurately and provides clarity about where you stand in relation to your peers. This article will simplify the process and provide examples to make it easier for you to understand and apply.

What Does Percentage Mean?

The term “percentage” is derived from the Latin word “per centum,” meaning “per hundred.” It expresses a value as a fraction of 100, making it easier to compare data. In the context of marks, percentages help determine how much of the total marks you have secured.

For instance, if you score 80 out of 100 in a test, your percentage is 80%. Similarly, if the total marks for an exam are 500, and you score 400, your percentage is 80% as well. The concept of percentage makes it easy to understand and evaluate scores across different subjects and exams.

The Formula for Calculating Percentage

The formula for calculating percentage is simple and universal:

Percentage=(Obtained MarksTotal Marks)×100\text{Percentage} = \left( \frac{\text{Obtained Marks}}{\text{Total Marks}} \right) \times 100Percentage=(Total MarksObtained Marks​)×100

Here:

  • Obtained Marks refers to the marks you have scored in an exam.
  • Total Marks indicates the maximum marks for the exam.
  • The result is multiplied by 100 to convert the fraction into a percentage.

Using this formula, you can calculate the percentage for a single subject or for multiple subjects combined.

Steps to Calculate Percentage

Calculating percentages involves a few straightforward steps:

  1. Collect Your Scores: Start by gathering the marks you obtained and the total marks for each subject. Make sure the data is accurate to avoid errors.
  2. Sum Up the Marks: If you are calculating the percentage for multiple subjects, add up all the marks you obtained in those subjects. Similarly, add up the total marks for all the subjects.
  3. Apply the Formula: Divide the total obtained marks by the total marks and multiply the result by 100. This will give you your percentage.

For instance, let’s assume you scored 85 in Mathematics, 78 in Science, and 92 in English, each out of 100. The total obtained marks would be 85 + 78 + 92 = 255, and the total marks would be 300. Using the formula:

Percentage=(255300)×100=85%\text{Percentage} = \left( \frac{255}{300} \right) \times 100 = 85\%Percentage=(300255​)×100=85%

This means your overall percentage is 85%.

Why Is Calculating Percentage Important?

Understanding and calculating percentages are crucial for several reasons. First, they provide a standard measure of academic performance, allowing students to compare their results across different subjects and terms. Percentages are also vital for determining eligibility for scholarships, admissions, and other academic opportunities.

Moreover, percentages are motivational. They allow students to track their progress over time, identify weak areas, and work towards improving their scores. For example, if a student’s percentage improves from 70% to 80% over two terms, it reflects both effort and growth.

Practical Example of Percentage Calculation

Let’s dive into another example to make the process even clearer. Suppose a student appears for five subjects with the following scores:

  • Mathematics: 90/100
  • Science: 88/100
  • English: 84/100
  • History: 76/100
  • Geography: 82/100

Step 1: Add the Obtained Marks
90 + 88 + 84 + 76 + 82 = 420

Step 2: Add the Total Marks
Since each subject is out of 100, the total marks are 100 × 5 = 500

Step 3: Apply the Formula

Percentage=(420500)×100=84%\text{Percentage} = \left( \frac{420}{500} \right) \times 100 = 84\%Percentage=(500420​)×100=84%

In this case, the student’s overall percentage is 84%.

Common Challenges Students Face

Many students struggle with calculating percentages accurately, especially when dealing with decimals or weightage-based marks. Forgetting to include all subjects in the total or making errors while summing up marks are common mistakes. Another challenge arises when calculating percentages for exams with varying weightages for different sections.

For example, some exams allocate different percentages to multiple-choice questions, essays, and practicals. In such cases, students need to multiply their scores by the weightage percentage and then calculate the total.

Tips for Accurate Percentage Calculation

Accuracy in percentage calculation is vital for students. Here are a few tips to ensure your calculations are correct:

  1. Double-Check Your Totals: Ensure that both obtained marks and total marks are summed up accurately.
  2. Use a Calculator: For complex calculations, using a calculator can reduce the chances of errors.
  3. Break Down the Process: If the total marks are large, break down the calculation into smaller steps to avoid confusion.
  4. Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you become at calculating percentages quickly and accurately.

Applications of Percentages in Real Life

While percentages are essential for academics, their applications extend far beyond school. In daily life, percentages are used to calculate discounts, interest rates, tax amounts, and even health metrics like body fat percentages. Mastering this skill early on can be immensely beneficial for students in their personal and professional lives.

For example, when you see a 20% discount on a product priced at ₹1,000, calculating the discounted price involves finding 20% of ₹1,000 (₹200) and subtracting it from the total (₹800).


Conclusion

Calculating the percentage of marks is a straightforward yet vital skill for school students. It allows you to track your academic performance, set goals, and stay motivated. By following the steps outlined in this guide and practicing regularly, you can calculate percentages accurately and confidently. Remember, percentages are not just about academics—they are a life skill that will benefit you in various aspects of life.

FAQs

1. How do I calculate the percentage if the marks are weighted differently?

For weightage-based exams, multiply the marks obtained in each section by its weightage. Add the results and divide by 100. For example, if a test has a 70% theory and 30% practical component, calculate each part separately and then combine them.

2. Is there an easy way to calculate percentages mentally?

For smaller numbers, you can calculate percentages mentally by breaking them down. For example, to find 20% of 50, calculate 10% (5) and double it (10).

3. Can I calculate percentages for exams with negative marking?

Yes, include the deducted marks in your obtained marks. For example, if you scored 50 but lost 5 marks due to negative marking, use 45 as your obtained marks.

Share

Examinations

PNC Cognitio School, in its full capacity as a K-12 Cambridge International School also serves as an exam center for private candidates from India and around the globe. We offer a wide-range of subject choices from IGCSE, O Level and International AS/A Level to our private candidates. We cater to them through all three available series for Cambridge examinations: March, June and November making it altogether easier for students to easily manage their exam routines.

PNC Cognitio School in its sole aim to provide an illuminated pathway for students to reach universities worldwide is an official PSAT, SAT and Advanced Placement Test Centre (#: 63838) in association with the College Board, US. 

We currently offer all the exam series for SAT, PSAT and AP as offered by the College Board allowing students to seamlessly attempt exams at their own comfortable time and apply to universities with ease. From 2023, students will benefit from digital SAT with better exam experiences and faster results all aided by the advanced systems right here at PNC Cognitio.

With all of the facilities available at PNC Cognitio School, we strive to be a comprehensive package to students, handing over their most powerful passport to quality education around the globe without any hassle in accessibility. 

New Grade Familiarization Week

Any new beginning requires mental preparedness , readiness and handling new information by the mind. Kids are no exception to this as they more dependent on parents to assist them in their decisions and actions. With the kids, it is pivotal to make them feel at home to help them ease in to the new surroundings. New Grade Familiarization week is an important stride towards this aspect. This new initiative started with the academic year 2019 -20. These five days are carefully planned and power packed with academic and co-curricular activities to help children start their new academic year on a high note.

The onboarding process is designed in benefit of new to children build their understanding between newly found friends and teachers. All of them get to know the school culture and get familiar with their environment. Such a program with a caring vision ensures they step into their actual academic periods totally prepared and excited to begin the year long journey. All Grade students were able to start their learning pathway by bonding with teachers and getting valuable insights into their learning objectives for the new academic year. Grade 9 Students for example were able to lay hands on various tools and designs relevant to design and Implementation. It was such an endearing and pleasant sight to watch all young learners get used to the campus and enjoy the program.

PNC School Culture and values imbibe children with immense moral insights and the program is just providing them a taste of what they are going to experience yearlong within the campus along with their mentors.

After School Programs

PNC’s spacious school, a community learning resource, will continue to offer a rich selection of extracurricular activities designed to enhance students’ all-around development. This array of activities is offered during the week and on the weekend. The school strives to earn an excellent State, National, and International reputation for its inter-school sports activities and tournaments.

Regular sports activities include Swimming, Cricket, Basketball, Skating, Football and more.

Support classes in a variety of subject areas will also be a key feature of after-school activities to ensure that any student who requires additional guidance will be able to obtain it. Upcoming activities such as Drama, Arts, Environmental Club, and Music Club will be the new features of the after-school programme. A full range of other accredited skills-based courses designed to develop various future skills will be rolled out as part of the “Skills of the Future Cognition”  development plan, which could include Leadership, ICT, Entrepreneurship, Communication, Gen X Skills, and many more.

Applying learning and developing professional skills are key to our young people’s successful futures.

Child's Learning Partners

Education Professionals – Our highly qualified and motivated teachers have been carefully selected for their teaching excellence and ability to actively engage students in the learning process. We implement an ongoing programme of workshops and professional development sessions, often conducted by noted educationists in around the world, to ensure that our teachers are up to date with the latest developments in educational techniques and methods.

The Senior Leadership Team and a team of Subject Leaders are well experienced and are complemented by professional teachers to meet the needs of our student population.

Partnership with Parents – Parents play an important role in the learning journey of the child at school. At PNC we provide varied platforms for parents to interact with the students thus giving them the real time application of the subjects. Through a regular communication system – written and data reports, SMS, email, and a programme of consultation evenings – parents are regularly updated on the progress of their children and activities in the school. Parents are welcome to discuss their children’s individual progress with the concerned teacher or school Principal or any member of the Senior Leadership Team at a mutually convenient time.

Parent Voice including a monthly forum with the Principal is conducted regularly. These meetings provide an opportunity for all our parents to voice any concerns, suggestions, or ideas they may have.

Child Health & Safety

The health and safety support network is made up of people such as extended family, friends, and community members who will work together in sync with the school to develop and maintain a plan that will ensure long-term safety, belonging, and well-being of our Children. A healthy mind and a healthy body are inseparable, binding upon each other for a productive life.

The purpose of the School Safety and Health Program are:

  1. To promote a healthy lifestyle among students, by providing them with knowledge and skills that will enable them to take responsible decisions to protect their health and well-being.
  2. To build healthy eating habits through the Wholesome Healthy Lunch – The power of 5 food groups.
  3. To enhance the role of students in contributing actively and positively to the national health situation by following various initiatives at this level like – “Swach”.
  4. To ensure that School Health becomes and continues to be an integral part of the overall education program in all schools.
  5. Ensure health and well-being is a key learning area and healthy practices are key competencies to be instilled as part of our curriculum.
  6. The school has developed a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that involves and communicates with children, young people and their parents/guardians.
  7. We encourage child and parent/guardians involvement and engagement that informs safe school operations and builds the capability of children and parents/guardians to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Cambridge Pathway School

Cambridge Primary starts learners on an exciting educational journey. Typically for 5 to 11-year-olds, it develops young learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged and includes an assessment that proves and improves learning. Students in this programme follow Stages 1 to 6 of the Cambridge Primary Curriculum, which continues to build on the foundations that are established in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Ongoing reviews ensure that each student’s progress and development are continuous and meet predetermined standards.

We encourage students to think independently, use their initiative, and participate in a meaningful and active manner in the learning process. At the end of Grade 5 (Stage 6), students will prepare for the University of Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Examinations in English, Mathematics, and Science. The tests are marked in Cambridge to provide an international benchmark of learner performance. Learners receive a statement of achievement and a diagnostic feedback report. Feedback reports show how a learner has performed in relation to the curriculum, their learning group, the whole school, and against all learners who have taken tests in that series around the world.

The core academic curriculum includes instruction in English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspective (Social Studies & EVM) and Digital Learning. Kannada is taught to all students and caters for native and non-native speakers. In addition, the school offers French and Hindi. The overall educational experience is enhanced and supplemented with an enriched visual and performing arts programme that embraces both western and local culture as well as an excellent school sports provision.

The Finnish Education Model

Freedom to choose, express, explore and learn. These are the wings of the learning flight in PNCCS. Our pedagogy adaption to the world’s best education system is to prepare today’s learners for Gen-Z. As a resource school, it is our endeavour in providing an enriching learning environment for our Cognitions to learn.
The Finnish Adaptation in our school is characterized by the understanding that a student who is happy in the classroom and is comfortable since he/she is free to learn at his own pace, will learn the knowledge that is needed. Finnish teachers have genuine pedagogical freedom, as well as autonomy to teach. Therefore, they are motivated in their day to day activities. Teachers spend approximately 400 + hours of training during a year. This includes a wide range of skills such as Subject Matter Expertise, Classroom Management, Equipping Students with 21st Century Skills, and many more.
The Facilitators have at their disposal a range of ready-to-use materials in their classrooms. The learning labs and Research Points empower the teacher to promote experiential and active learning.
Thus a plant rooted in good soil and environment bears fruits that sustains itself and the community. And so is every Cognition.
Progressing in this pathway, two initiatives that shape our children’s mind is “Speakathon” and “Thoughtcast”. These learning platforms help the learners to reflect on various topics which impact them, the environment, and the community at large. Learners express, debate, and pen down their thoughts. Thus transforming them into confident individuals who can voice their opinions, accept or reflect on critical reviews and collaborate to find solutions.
The pedagogy promotes mastery of learning through thinking routines. It is a synonym for the layers of soil. Each is different in texture and composition but all are important.