What Grade Is 36 out of 40?
36 out of 40 is 90% — an A- on the standard US scale, an excellent score.
- Percentage90%
- Letter gradeA-
- Missed4 pts
- For an A (90%)36/40
Score breakdown for a 40-point test
| Score | Percent | Letter |
|---|---|---|
| 36/40 | 90% | A- |
| 32/40 | 80% | B- |
| 28/40 | 70% | C- |
| 36/40 | 90% | A- |
How this is calculated
Divide the points earned by the points possible and multiply by 100: 36 ÷ 40 × 100 = 90%. On the common 10-point-band scale that lands in the A- range.
Common questions
What's a passing grade in college?
Usually a D (60%) technically passes, but 'passing' and 'counting' differ: many majors require a C or better in core courses, prerequisites often demand a C, and anything below a C can trigger a retake requirement. Financial aid typically also requires a 2.0 GPA overall. Check your program's rules, not just the university minimum.
What's the difference between weighted and unweighted averages?
An unweighted average treats every score equally: add them up, divide by the count. A weighted average multiplies each category by its share of the grade first — homework 20%, midterms 40%, final 40% — which is how most courses actually work. If your syllabus lists category percentages, you need the weighted version.