What weights mean
On a weighted syllabus, each category (homework, tests, participation, final) has a weight — its share of the final grade. Weights usually add up to 100%.
The formula
Weighted average = Σ(score × weight) ÷ Σ(weight)Multiply each category score by its weight, add the results, and divide by the total weight (divide by 100 if weights are percentages).
Worked example
Example: Homework average 88% (weight 20), quiz average 90% (weight 10), midterm 82% (weight 30), final 91% (weight 40). Weighted grade = (88×20 + 90×10 + 82×30 + 91×40) ÷ 100 = (1760 + 900 + 2460 + 3640) ÷ 100 = 87.6%.
What if weights don't add to 100?
Some syllabi show weights as points (e.g., 300 total points). The same formula works — just use the points as weights and divide by their total.
Why it matters
Weighting is why acing a low-weight homework set barely moves your grade, while a high-weight exam can change everything. Knowing the weights tells you where to focus.