Brightspace supports three types of grading systems: Weighted, Points, and Formula. Each system calculates the final grade differently and offers flexibility in how grade items contribute to the overall course grade.
Choose the grading system that aligns best with your course structure, assessment strategy, and grading policies.
Refer to Create a grading system for steps to set up a grading system in your course.
Weighted grading system
The weighted system calculates grade items as a percentage of a final grade worth 100%.
- Categories represent percentages of the final grade.
- Each grade item’s contribution is based on its weight within the category and the category’s weight toward the final grade.
- Example: A category worth 10% of the final grade with two equal items assigns each item 5% of the final grade.
- Grade items in a category must combine to 100% of that category.
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Important:
- The final grade is provisional until all items in a category are graded. To release grades early, you can drop ungraded items until the end of the course.
- If weights don’t add up to 100%, Brightspace adjusts them proportionally. For example, three items weighted at 25% each are calculated as 33% each.
- A balanced grade book (100%) is recommended but not required; you may ignore warning messages if your weights don’t equal 100%.
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Points grading system
The points system uses maximum points to determine how much a grade item contributes.
- Final grades are calculated as: Total points earned ÷ Total maximum points) × 100.
- You don’t need to assign category weights or total points.
- A grade item’s maximum points directly reflect its contribution to the final grade.
Best practices:
- Ensure maximum points reflect importance (e.g., don’t grade every homework out of 50 while a final exam is only 80).
- You can exclude items from the final grade calculation (numeric, selectbox, pass/fail, or entire categories) using the Exclude from Final Grade Calculation checkbox when creating or editing.
- In the weighted system, there is no setting to exclude from the final grade calculation. To exclude an item when using weights, assign a weight of 0% to the item.
Formula grading system
- The formula system builds on the points system and allows you to apply custom conditions.
- Supports advanced rules such as requiring a minimum exam score, applying penalties, or dropping the lowest score.
- Example: Require students to earn at least 50% on both midterm and final exams to pass the course.
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Important:
- This system is intended for complex grading rules and requires Brightspace formula syntax.
- It may not be available at your organization. If unavailable, you can either:
- Release the Adjusted Final Grade and apply your formula manually
- Contact your administrator to request access.
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Grading system comparison
Grading system comparison
| System |
Best for |
Pros |
Considerations |
|---|
Weighted
|
Courses with categories (e.g., exams, assignments) |
Reflects syllabus structure; supports drops |
Final grade provisional until all items in a category are graded; weights must total 100% per category |
Points
|
Simple point accumulation |
Easy to implement; clear point tracking |
Items aren’t grouped unless categorized; max points must reflect importance |
Formula
|
Courses with special grading rules |
Supports conditions, minimums, and drops |
Requires Brightspace formula syntax; may not be available without admin enablement |