What Is a Grade Curve?
A grade curve (or curving grades) is a method professors use to adjust test or course scores upward. It's applied when an exam is harder than expected or when the class average is lower than the professor intended. The most common type is a flat curve — every student receives the same number of bonus points added to their score.
Other curving methods include the square root curve, percentage multiplier, and bell curve (normal distribution adjustment). This calculator handles flat curves and square root curves.
Curve Examples
📊 Flat Curve Example (+10 points)
Original Score: 58%58 + 10 = 68% → D+
Original Score: 72%72 + 10 = 82% → B−
Original Score: 85%85 + 10 = 95% → A
📊 Square Root Curve Example
Original Score: 49%√49 × 10 = 70% → C−
Original Score: 64%√64 × 10 = 80% → B−
Original Score: 81%√81 × 10 = 90% → A−
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