What is a 12 out of 20 Grade? Calculate Percentage & Letter Grade
Quick Answer: A score of 12 out of 20 is a 60% percentage grade. In most standard US grading systems, a 60% is considered a D-, which is typically the lowest possible passing grade.
Getting a 12 out of 20 on a test or assignment can be confusing. Is it passing? What letter grade does it correspond to? We’ll break it down for you clearly and show you how the calculation works.
Calculating Your 12/20 Score
The math to convert a raw score like “12 out of 20” into a percentage is simple. You just divide the score you got by the total possible score and multiply the result by 100.
The Grade Conversion Formula
(12 ÷ 20) × 100 = 60%
How this works:
This formula converts a fraction to a percentage. For grading:
- Numerator = Points you earned
- Denominator = Total possible points
- Multiply by 100 to convert to percentage
Example: 12 points out of 20 = (12 ÷ 20) × 100 = 60%
Verify with our Grade Percentage Calculator.
What Letter Grade is a 60%?
Once you know the percentage is 60%, you can map it to a letter grade. While scales can vary, here is how a 60% fits into a standard US grading scale:
| Letter Grade | Percentage | Is 12/20 (60%) in this range? |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100% | No |
| B | 80-89% | No |
| C | 70-79% | No |
| D | 60-69% | Yes |
| F | Below 60% | No |
Is a 12 out of 20 a Good Grade?
In terms of passing, a 12 out of 20 (60%) is technically a success. However, it’s on the lowest end of the passing spectrum. It indicates a basic understanding of the material but also shows significant room for improvement. While a single D grade might not drastically lower your overall average, a pattern of such scores could be a cause for concern. It’s a good opportunity to review your study habits and seek help if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a 12 out of 20 a passing grade?
Yes, in most high school and undergraduate college systems in the US, 60% is the minimum score required to pass a course or assignment. However, some specific programs or graduate schools may require a C (70%) or better.
How can I improve from a 60%?
To improve your score, start by reviewing the test to understand what you got wrong. Was it a specific type of question or topic? Don’t hesitate to meet with your teacher or a tutor to go over the material. For long-term strategies, you might find our guide on how to raise your GPA helpful.