Question 1

How does the square root curve work?

Accepted Answer

The square root curve takes the square root of the raw percentage score and multiplies it by 10 (e.g. a raw score of 64 becomes sqrt(64)*10 = 80%). It helps lower scores more than higher scores.

Question 2

What is the fairest way to curve a test?

Accepted Answer

Linear addition (adding points to match the highest student score to 100%) and square root curves are widely considered the fairest for classroom grading.

Question 3

What is bell curve grading?

Accepted Answer

Bell curve grading forces class scores into a normal distribution, awarding a fixed percentage of As, Bs, Cs, Ds, and Fs regardless of raw test performance.

Question 4

Can a grade curve lower a student's grade?

Accepted Answer

In strict bell curving it can, but most modern educational curves only increase scores or protect raw scores from decreasing.

Grade Curve Calculator

Quick answer

Formula and calculation method

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