How to Calculate Percentage of Marks in Exams (Students' Guide)

This guide is written for students working out exam results. (For everyday money percentages like discounts and interest, see our general percentage guide instead.)

The marks percentage formula

Percentage = (marks obtained ÷ total marks) × 100. Score 450 out of 500 and it's (450 ÷ 500) × 100 = 90%.

Your full aggregate (all subjects)

Your board result is based on the aggregate, not one subject. Add the marks obtained across every subject, add the maximum marks, then apply the formula. With 6 subjects of 100 marks each (600 total) and 480 obtained: (480 ÷ 600) × 100 = 80% aggregate.

Pass percentage and grace

Most Indian boards set the pass mark at 33% per subject (35% or 40% in some boards/subjects). You usually need to pass every subject individually, not just the aggregate — check your board's rule.

Turning percentage into a grade

A rough guide many schools use: 90–100% = A1, 80–89% = A2, 70–79% = B1, 60–69% = B2, and so on. Exact bands vary by board, so treat these as indicative.

Percentage vs percentile vs CGPA

• Percentage — your marks out of the maximum.
• Percentile — how you rank against other students (a 90 percentile means you scored higher than 90% of them), used in exams like JEE and CAT. It is not the same as percentage.
• CGPA — a grade-point average; convert it with our CGPA to Percentage Calculator.

Calculate it instantly

The free Marks Percentage Calculator works out one subject or your full aggregate and shows an indicative grade. Students can also try the GPA Calculator and Final Grade Calculator.