The total points earned by a student on a test are divided by the total points possible to:

To arrive at a percentage grade, the total points earned by a student on a test are divided by the total points possible. This calculation provides a clear and straightforward method to assess a student's performance relative to the overall assessment criteria. By expressing the student's scores in terms of a percentage, it allows for easy comparison with standard grading systems and further evaluation of academic performance.

This approach is widely utilized in educational settings to communicate achievement levels, as it standardizes scores and makes them comprehensible to students, teachers, and parents alike. A percentage also helps to provide insight into how well the student understood the material being tested, making it an effective and practical measurement for educational assessments.