How to calculate percentage from marks: formula, examples and "best of five"

Working out your percentage is simple once you know the formula, but a few details confuse many students: the "best of five", subjects with different totals and what to do with grades or CGPA. This guide covers them with examples.

The formula

Percentage = (marks obtained ÷ total marks) × 100

Example 1: one subject

You scored 42 out of 50 in science. Percentage = 42 ÷ 50 × 100 = 84%.

Example 2: several subjects

English 78, Hindi 82, Maths 91, Science 85, Social Science 74, each out of 100.

• Total obtained: 78 + 82 + 91 + 85 + 74 = 410
• Total marks: 5 × 100 = 500
• Percentage = 410 ÷ 500 × 100 = 82%

Example 3: subjects with different totals

Maths 45 out of 50, English 70 out of 80, Science 90 out of 100.

• Total obtained: 45 + 70 + 90 = 205
• Total marks: 50 + 80 + 100 = 230
• Percentage = 205 ÷ 230 × 100 = 89.1% (rounded)

Never average the percentages of each subject when totals differ. Add the marks and the totals first, then divide.

Best of five

Some admission processes calculate your percentage from the best five subjects instead of all subjects. To do this:

1. Convert each subject to a percentage if the totals differ.
2. Pick the five highest.
3. Add their marks and totals, and divide.

Rules differ by college, course and entrance process, for example which subjects must be included, so read the notice of the institution you are applying to. The marks percentage calculator has a "best of" setting that does the choosing for you.

Percentage from CGPA

If your university or board uses CGPA, the conversion depends on its own rule. A common one multiplies by a fixed factor, but different institutions use different factors. Use the conversion your institution specifies, and see our CGPA to percentage calculator to check a number. Always confirm against your university's official notice or the one your target institution accepts.

Grades

Grade bands differ between boards and universities. The calculator uses a common CBSE-style scale as an example (A1 from 91, A2 from 81, B1 from 71, B2 from 61, C1 from 51, C2 from 41, D from 33). Your marksheet may use another scale.

How to improve a percentage

• Find where marks are lost. Look at your last three papers. Which question types lose the most?
• Fix the cheap marks first. Careless errors, missing steps and unfinished answers are the easiest to fix.
• Practise under time. Many marks are lost to time pressure.
• Revise in loops. See the exam preparation guide.
• Get help early. If a topic keeps costing marks, ask a teacher. We match a subject teacher from our network to your level, without promising marks.

Quick percentage tricks

• 10% of a number: move the decimal point one place left.
• 5%: half of 10%.
• 1%: move the decimal two places left.
• Marks out of 50 to percentage: double it.
• Marks out of 25 to percentage: multiply by 4.

For more, read percentages explained simply and try the percentage calculator.

Common questions

How do I calculate percentage if the total marks are different?

Add all marks obtained, add all total marks, then divide and multiply by 100. Do not average individual percentages.

What is the formula for percentage?

Marks obtained divided by total marks, multiplied by 100.

How do I calculate the best of five percentage?

Pick your five highest subjects, add their marks and totals, and divide. Check the institution's rule on which subjects count.

How do I convert CGPA to percentage?

Use the formula your university or board specifies. Different institutions use different conversions, so check the official notice.

Does the calculator save my marks?

No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.

This guide is general information. For exams, follow your school, teacher and official exam board, and use your own judgement about what suits your child.