Whether you’re checking your exam results, tracking class attendance, or reviewing school marks, converting raw scores into a percentage is one of the simplest but most useful calculations. Here’s the formula, worked examples, and a quick-reference table.
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Marks Percentage Formula
Percentage = (Marks Obtained ÷ Total Marks) × 100
For example, if you scored 450 out of 500, your percentage is (450 ÷ 500) × 100 = 90%.
Worked Examples
| Marks Obtained | Total Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 100 | 85% |
| 420 | 500 | 84% |
| 72 | 80 | 90% |
| 310 | 400 | 77.5% |
| 28 | 40 | 70% |
How to Calculate Percentage Across Multiple Subjects
If you have marks for several subjects, add up all the marks obtained and divide by the total marks possible across all subjects, then multiply by 100:
Overall Percentage = (Sum of Marks Obtained ÷ Sum of Total Marks) × 100
Example: If you scored 78, 85, 92, 67, and 74 out of 100 each (500 total), your overall percentage is (78+85+92+67+74) ÷ 500 × 100 = 396 ÷ 500 × 100 = 79.2%.
Attendance Percentage Formula
The same logic applies to class attendance:
Attendance % = (Classes Attended ÷ Total Classes Held) × 100
Example: attending 68 out of 75 classes gives (68 ÷ 75) × 100 = 90.7% attendance — useful for checking against a minimum attendance requirement (commonly 75%).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I calculate percentage if subjects have different maximum marks?
A: Always use total marks obtained divided by total marks possible — not an average of individual percentages, which can skew the result.
Q: What percentage do I need for a passing grade?
A: This depends entirely on your institution’s grading policy; check your school or board’s official pass criteria.
Q: How is SSLC/board exam percentage calculated?
A: The same basic formula applies: total marks obtained across all subjects divided by total possible marks, multiplied by 100. Some boards apply best-of-N subject rules, so check your board’s specific method.
Need to convert your result further, like CGPA or grade equivalents? Try our full Percentage Calculator.