How to Calculate Percentage of Marks (and Convert CGPA)
Find your exam percentage from marks, combine subjects with different totals correctly, work out the marks you need for a target, and convert CGPA to percentage.
Admission forms, scholarships and job applications often ask for your percentage. Working it out takes one formula, but combining several subjects is where most mistakes happen.
The basic formula
Percentage = marks obtained ÷ total marks × 100
If you scored 435 out of 500: 435 ÷ 500 × 100 = 87%.
Several subjects with different totals
Add up all your marks and all the totals first, then divide once.
| Subject | Marks | Out of |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | 88 | 100 |
| Science | 72 | 80 |
| English | 41 | 50 |
| Total | 201 | 230 |
Overall percentage = 201 ÷ 230 × 100 ≈ 87.39%. Averaging the three subject percentages (88%, 90% and 82%) would give 86.67%, which is wrong because it treats the 50-mark paper the same as the 100-mark one.
Marks needed for a target
Multiply the total marks by your target percentage. For 75% across 600 marks you need 0.75 × 600 = 450. If you already have 300 out of the first 400, you need 150 out of the last 200, which is 75% on that paper too.
CGPA to percentage
CBSE has used the rule percentage ≈ CGPA × 9.5. A CGPA of 9.2 is about 87.4%, and to go back, divide by 9.5. Many universities use their own formulas, often printed on the back of the marksheet, so always use your institution's rule on official forms.
Tip Keep two decimal places when you report a percentage, such as 87.39%, unless the form asks you to round.
Try it yourself: Marks Percentage CalculatorPercentage from marks obtained and total marks, for one exam or several subjectsOpen →Common questions
How do I calculate my percentage out of 500?
Divide your marks by 500 and multiply by 100. 400 out of 500 is 80%.
Should I include optional subjects?
Follow the rules of the form or board you are applying to. Some count only the best five subjects.
How do I convert percentage to CGPA?
For CBSE, divide the percentage by 9.5. 85.5% is a CGPA of 9.0.