We see percentages everywhere, from grades in school to performance reviews at work. It’s a common way to express a score or ratio. One of the most common calculations is converting a fraction into a percentage. So, what is a 14 out of 20, expressed as a percentage?
In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to calculate the percentage of 14/20 and what that percentage means in the context of grading or scoring. This is useful because percentages are a standardized way to compare different scores, even if they’re originally out of different totals.
Calculating 14/20 as a Percentage: Two Methods
There are a couple of ways to figure out what percentage a score of 14 out of 20 represents.
Method 1: Long Division
With long division, you simply divide the numerator (14) by the denominator (20). This will give you an answer in decimal form.
To convert the decimal to a percentage, multiply the decimal by 100. For example, if you divide 14 by 20, you get 0.7. Multiply 0.7 by 100, and you get 70%. So, 14/20 = 70%.
Method 2: Using Fractions
With this method, you find a fraction that’s equal to 14/20, but with a denominator of 100. You can often do this by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number.
For example, if you multiply both 14 and 20 by 5, you get (14 5) / (20 5), which equals 70/100. Since “percent” literally means “per 100,” 70/100 is equivalent to 70%.
Comparing the Methods
Long division works with any fraction, but the fraction method is often easier if you can quickly find a number that, when multiplied by the denominator, equals 100. Choose the method that makes the most sense to you and works best with the numbers you have.
The meaning of 70% in a grading system
A score of 14 out of 20 translates to 70%. But what does that mean in terms of grades and academic performance?
Percentage to letter grade conversion
Most schools use a letter grade system of A through F to assess student performance. Each letter grade corresponds to a specific percentage range.
A score of 70% is usually considered a C- grade.
GPA equivalent
Grade Point Average, or GPA, is a way of numerically representing your academic performance. GPAs are often calculated on a 4.0 scale.
A C- grade (70%) typically translates to a 1.7 GPA.
Interpretation and implications
A C- grade is usually considered passing, but it shows that there’s room for improvement. It means you did a satisfactory or average job.
Keep in mind that every school sets its own grading policies, so it’s always best to check the specific grading scale used by your school or institution. Some schools may use pluses and minuses, and other schools may not.
Using your grade
If you want to quickly calculate any test score, there are dozens of free online percentage grade calculators you can use. These tools can instantly convert any fraction into a percentage and a letter grade.
It’s also important to know that some classes use weighted scoring systems, where some assignments count more toward your final grade than others.
Once you know your grades, you can use them to set realistic learning goals. Remember, continuous improvement is often more valuable than perfection.
In Closing
So, to recap, a score of 14 out of 20 is the same as 70%, which typically translates to a C- grade. We’ve explored different ways to calculate percentages and what a 70% grade generally means.
Understanding percentages is vital not just in academics but in everyday life. From figuring out discounts to understanding statistics, percentages are a foundational concept. Knowing how to calculate and interpret them is a valuable skill to have.
Now that you understand how to figure out percentages, use this knowledge to track your progress, understand the world around you, and reach for your goals.