Questions Right Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the questions right calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Questions Needed Correct

needed = ceil(total_questions * target_pct / 100)

Questions You Can Miss

can_miss = total_questions - ceil(total_questions * target_pct / 100)

Exact Number Needed

exact = total_questions * target_pct / 100

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
total_questionsTotal Questions50
target_pctTarget Percentage70

How It Works

How to Calculate Questions Needed Right

Determine the minimum number of correct answers to meet a target percentage.

Formula

Questions Needed = ceil(Total Questions x Target % / 100)

We round up because you cannot answer a fraction of a question correctly.

Worked Example

A test has 50 questions and you need 70% to pass.

total_questions = 50target_pct = 70
  1. 01Exact number = 50 x 70 / 100 = 35
  2. 02Questions needed correct = ceil(35) = 35
  3. 03Questions you can miss = 50 - 35 = 15

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my target percentage results in a fraction?

The calculator rounds up. If you need 35.5 correct, you must answer at least 36 correctly to meet or exceed the target.

Does this account for partial credit?

No, this assumes each question is either fully correct or incorrect. Adjust the target percentage down slightly for partial credit tests.

How many can I skip?

Skipped questions count as incorrect. The questions you can miss includes both wrong answers and skipped questions.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Questions Right Calculator