Grade rounding is one of the most misunderstood aspects of grade calculation. Many students believe an 89.5% will round to 90%, pushing them from A- to A.
Standard Rounding Rules
Traditional mathematical rounding uses "round half up." Any number ending in .5 or higher rounds up, while anything below .5 rounds down. So 89.5% rounds to 90%, while 89.4% stays at 89%.
Some professors use "round half to even," which rounds .5 to the nearest even number. Other professors use rounding down only, where they never round up.
When Rounding Matters
Rounding matters most when your grade falls near letter grade boundaries. If you have 89.4%, you're firmly in B. If you have 89.5%, whether your professor rounds becomes crucial.
Finding Your Policy
Check your course syllabus first. If it doesn't mention rounding, check your learning management system. When in doubt, email your professor directly.
Calculating Your Grade
To be safe, calculate your current grade in both scenarios. First, calculate your grade exactly. Then, calculate what you need assuming rounding. Use the higher number to ensure success either way.
Strategic Considerations
If your professor does round and you're near a boundary, every tenth of a percent matters. Most importantly, know your professor's policy before semester ends so you can strategize effectively.