Extra Credit Impact Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the extra credit impact calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Extra Credit Impact Calculator

Formulas Used

Grade After Extra Credit

new_grade = min(new_points_earned / total_points_possible * 100, 100)

Grade Boost

grade_boost = extra_credit_points / total_points_possible * 100

Current Points Earned

original_points = current_points_earned

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
current_scoreCurrent Grade(%)87
total_points_possibleTotal Points in Course500
extra_credit_pointsExtra Credit Points Offered15
current_points_earnedDerived value= current_score / 100 * total_points_possiblecalculated
new_points_earnedDerived value= current_points_earned + extra_credit_pointscalculated

How It Works

How Extra Credit Affects Your Grade

Extra credit adds points on top of earned points without increasing the total possible. This raises the percentage.

Formula

Grade Boost = Extra Credit Points / Total Points Possible x 100

New Grade = (Current Points + Extra Credit) / Total Points x 100

The impact is inversely proportional to total course points. In a 500-point course, 15 extra credit points add 3%. In a 1000-point course, the same 15 points add only 1.5%.

Worked Example

A student has 87% in a 500-point course. The teacher offers 15 extra credit points.

current_score = 87total_points_possible = 500extra_credit_points = 15
  1. 01Current points: 87% x 500 = 435
  2. 02After extra credit: 435 + 15 = 450
  3. 03New grade: 450 / 500 x 100 = 90.0%
  4. 04Grade boost: 15 / 500 x 100 = 3.0%

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Extra Credit Impact Calculator