Class Average Calculator
Enter student scores to instantly calculate the class average, median, standard deviation, pass rate, and grade distribution. Free for teachers and educators.
Enter one score per line, comma-separated, or paste from a spreadsheet. Supports raw scores (e.g. 85) and fractions (e.g. 42/50).
Free Class Average Calculator for Teachers
Our class average calculator helps teachers and educators quickly analyze student performance. Enter scores from a test, quiz, assignment, or exam and instantly see the class mean, median, standard deviation, pass rate, and a full grade distribution breakdown. Everything runs in your browser with no sign-up, no data uploads, and no tracking.
How Is a Class Average Calculated?
The class average, also called the arithmetic mean, is calculated by adding all student scores together and dividing by the number of students. For example, if 5 students scored 80, 90, 75, 85, and 70, the class average is (80 + 90 + 75 + 85 + 70) / 5 = 80%. This single number gives you a quick snapshot of overall class performance, though it can be influenced by unusually high or low scores (outliers).
Understanding Median vs. Mean
While the mean is the most common measure of central tendency, the median is often more informative for class grades. The median is the middle score when all scores are sorted in order. If you have 25 students, the median is the 13th score. The median is less affected by extreme outliers, making it a better indicator of "typical" student performance when a few students score very high or very low.
What Does Standard Deviation Tell You?
Standard deviation measures the spread of student scores around the mean. A low standard deviation (e.g., 5-8 points) means most students scored near the average, indicating consistent understanding. A high standard deviation (e.g., 15-20+ points) means scores are widely spread, suggesting significant variation in student comprehension. This can help you identify whether additional support or differentiation is needed.
Grade Distribution and Pass Rates
The grade distribution shows how many students fell into each letter grade category (A, B, C, D, F). A healthy distribution typically shows a bell curve, with most students in the B-C range. If the distribution is heavily skewed toward F grades, the assessment may have been too difficult, or the material may need to be retaught. The pass rate tells you what percentage of students met the minimum passing threshold, which you can configure to match your school's policy.
Tips for Using Class Statistics
Use this calculator after every major assessment to track trends over time. Compare the class average across different sections or semesters. If the median is significantly lower than the mean, a few high performers may be masking widespread difficulty. Use the grade distribution to inform grading curves, identify students who need intervention, and prepare reports for administrators or parent conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter scores from a spreadsheet?
Simply copy the column of scores from your spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.) and paste it directly into the input area. The calculator automatically detects one score per line. You can also enter scores separated by commas or a mix of both formats.
Can I enter scores as fractions like 42/50?
Yes. If you enter a score as a fraction (e.g., 42/50), the calculator will convert it to a percentage automatically (in this case, 84%). This is useful when different assignments have different point totals and you want to normalize everything to a percentage scale.
What grading scale does the distribution use?
The grade distribution uses the standard American grading scale: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), and F (below 60%). These ranges are the most commonly used in U.S. schools and universities.
How do I change the passing threshold?
The default passing threshold is 60%. You can change it by editing the "Passing Threshold" field above the Calculate button. Common thresholds are 60% (D or above passes), 70% (C or above passes), or any custom value your school uses.
Is my data private?
Absolutely. This calculator runs entirely in your web browser. No student data is uploaded to any server, no accounts are needed, and no cookies are used for tracking. Your students' grades never leave your device.