1. What is Grade Curving?

Grade curving is a method of adjusting student scores based on class performance. This approach adds the difference between the maximum possible score and the highest earned score to all students' grades, effectively normalizing results based on the class's top performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the grade curving formula:

Where:

• \( Original\ Grade \) — The student's original score percentage
• \( Max\ Possible\ Grade \) — The maximum score possible on the assessment
• \( Highest\ Earned\ Grade \) — The highest score actually achieved by any student

Explanation: This method ensures that the highest-performing student receives the maximum possible grade, while all other students receive a proportional increase based on the performance gap.

3. Importance of Grade Curving

Details: Grade curving helps normalize assessment results when a test or assignment proves unexpectedly difficult for the entire class. It maintains academic standards while accounting for variations in test difficulty across different cohorts.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the original grade percentage, maximum possible percentage, and the highest earned percentage in the class. All values must be between 0-100%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should I use grade curving?
A: Use curving when an assessment proves unexpectedly difficult and most students perform below expectations, despite adequate preparation.

Q2: Can curved grades exceed the maximum possible?
A: No, the calculator automatically caps results at the maximum possible grade to maintain academic integrity.

Q3: Is this the only curving method available?
A: No, this is one common method. Other approaches include standard deviation curves and fixed percentage increases.

Q4: Should I curve every assessment?
A: No, curving should be used judiciously. Overuse can undermine the assessment's validity and student expectations.

Q5: How does curving affect grade distributions?
A: Curving typically compresses grade distributions upward, reducing the performance gap between students while maintaining relative standings.