Grade Curve Calculator
Apply different curve methods to see how your grade might be adjusted.
Add a fixed number of points to every score
Types of Grade Curves
Flat Curve (Adding Points)
The simplest method: everyone gets the same number of points added to their score. If the curve is +10 points, a 70% becomes an 80%.
Square Root Curve
Formula: Curved Score = √(Original Score) × 10
This curve helps lower scores more than higher scores. A 49% becomes 70%, a 64% becomes 80%, and an 81% becomes 90%.
Highest Score = 100%
Scales all grades so that the highest score in the class becomes 100%. If the highest score was 92%, everyone's grade is multiplied by (100/92).
Percentage Curve
Increases all scores by a certain percentage. A 5% curve on a 75% gives you 75% × 1.05 = 78.75%.
When Do Professors Curve?
Professors typically consider curving grades when the class average falls significantly below expectations, often below 70%. A curve might also be applied when a test proves more difficult than intended, or when no students achieve certain grade thresholds. Some departments have policies requiring curves in certain situations.