A rubric scores several criteria, each out of a maximum. Sum the points earned, divide by total possible, and the percentage and letter follow — a transparent, criterion-based grade.
The example
22 of 25 points.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | Earned | 22 |
| 3 | Possible | 25 → 88% |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- List each criterion’s points earned and points possible.
SUM(earned) / SUM(possible)gives the overall percentage.- Feed that into a letter-grade lookup for the final mark.
- For weighted criteria, use
SUMPRODUCT(criterion_pct, weights)instead of equal points.
Equal-points vs weighted rubrics: summing raw points treats every point as equal, so a 10-point criterion outweighs a 5-point one automatically. If you want criteria weighted independently of their point totals, compute each criterion’s percentage and combine with SUMPRODUCT(percentages, weights) — the same pattern as a weighted grade.
Try it: interactive demo
Earned and possible per criterion.
Variations
Points earned
Total only:
Weighted criteria
By importance:
To letter grade
Lookup the band:
Pitfalls & errors
Sum both columns. Divide total earned by total possible, not criterion by criterion.
Equal points = implicit weight. Bigger point totals carry more weight automatically.
Zero possible. An empty possible column gives #DIV/0!.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I total a rubric score in Excel?
How do I weight rubric criteria independently?
How do I turn a rubric percentage into a letter?
Stop fighting formulas. Learn them in a day.
This recipe is one of hundreds of real-world formulas we teach. Our Excel Formulas & Functions class covers lookups, logic, text, and dynamic arrays hands-on — live in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class