Raw Score Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the raw score calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Raw Score
raw_score = rawMaximum Possible Score
max_possible = total_questionsRaw Score Percentage
raw_pct = (raw / total_questions) * 100Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
correct | Questions Correct | 40 |
incorrect | Questions Incorrect | 10 |
penalty | Penalty per Wrong Answer | 0.25 |
total_questions | Total Questions | 60 |
raw | Derived value= correct - incorrect * penalty | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Raw Score
A raw score accounts for correct answers minus any penalty for incorrect answers.
Formula
Raw Score = Correct Answers - (Incorrect Answers x Penalty)
With no guessing penalty, the raw score equals the number correct. Some standardized tests deduct a fraction of a point per wrong answer.
Worked Example
A student answers 40 correctly and 10 incorrectly on a 60-question test with a 0.25 guessing penalty.
- 01Penalty deduction = 10 x 0.25 = 2.5
- 02Raw score = 40 - 2.5 = 37.5
- 03Raw score percentage = (37.5 / 60) x 100 = 62.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all tests have a guessing penalty?
No. Most modern tests, including the current SAT, have no guessing penalty. Check your specific test format.
What is the difference between raw and scaled score?
A raw score is the direct calculation from answers. A scaled score adjusts for test difficulty to allow comparison across test versions.
Should I guess if there is a penalty?
If you can eliminate at least one answer choice, guessing is statistically beneficial even with a 0.25 penalty on a 4-choice test.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Raw Score Calculator