How to Calculate the Overall Percentage When Marks Are on Different Scales
When dealing with marks from different total values, such as some out of 100 and some out of 25, calculating the overall percentage becomes a bit more complex. This article will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can accurately determine your overall percentage.
Understanding the Problem
The main challenge is to consolidate scores from various scales into a single, comprehensive percentage. To do this, we need to convert all marks to a common scale, typically out of 100, sum up the obtained marks, and then calculate the overall percentage based on the total possible marks.
Steps to Calculate the Overall Percentage
Convert All Marks to a Common Scale: Marks already out of 100 remain the same. Marks from other scales can be converted to out of 100. The formula to convert marks is: Converted Marks (Marks Obtained / Total Marks) × 100 Sum Up the Converted Marks: Add all the converted marks together. Calculate the Total Possible Marks: Sum up the total marks possible for all components. Calculate the Overall Percentage: Use the formula: Overall Percentage (Total Obtained Marks / Total Possible Marks) × 100Example Calculation
Let's illustrate this with an example:
Subject 1: Math 96 out of 100
Subject 2: Science 120 out of 150 → (120 / 150) × 100 80
Subject 3: English 40 out of 50 → (40 / 50) × 100 80
Subject 4: Social Studies 60 out of 75 → (60 / 75) × 100 80
Subject 5: Hindi 20 out of 25 → (20 / 25) × 100 80
Total Obtained Marks: 96 80 80 80 80 416
Total Possible Marks: 100 150 50 75 25 400
Overall Percentage: (416 / 400) × 100 104%
In this case, the percentage exceeds 100 because the individual scores are high relative to their maximums.
Another Simplified Method
An alternative method, as suggested by Conor Kelly, involves directly converting the marks from one scale to another. For example, if you got 19 out of 25:
Take the score you got: 19 Divide it by the total marks: 19 ÷ 25 0.76 Multiply the result by 100: 0.76 × 100 76The result is your score expressed as a percentage.
Conclusion: When faced with marks from different scales, the key is to convert all marks to a common scale, sum up the obtained marks, and then calculate the overall percentage. With the right approach, you can easily understand and present your academic performance in a meaningful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use the same method for percentages below 100?
A1: Yes, the method works for any percentage. Just ensure all marks are converted to a common scale and follow the steps to calculate the overall percentage.
Q2: What should I do if the total obtained marks exceed the total possible marks?
A2: If the overall percentage exceeds 100, it means the individual scores are disproportionately high. However, it is still useful to report the exact percentage to provide a full picture of performance.
Q3: Is there an online tool to calculate percentages?
A3: Yes, there are many free online tools and calculators available that can help you calculate percentages. Just search for 'percentage calculator' in your preferred search engine.
Q4: What if some marks are not on a scale (e.g., a letter grade)?
A4: Convert letter grades to a numerical scale first (e.g., A 100, B 80, etc.) before applying the same method.
Q5: How can I explain this process to my friends or family?
A5: Use simple examples and walk them through the steps. Emphasize the importance of converting marks to a common scale and then summing up to find the overall percentage.