How to Compute Grades in Excel (3 Ways)

In this sample dataset the columns are labelled Name, Marks, and Grades. For the grades, we have 5 possible options.

Method 1 – Computing Grades in Excel Using the IF Function

The IF function in Excel performs a logical test and returns two different values based on the result being True or False.

Steps:

Double-click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:

=IF(C5>=90,"A",IF(C5>=80,"B",IF(C5>=70,"C",IF(C5>=60,"D","F"))))

Press Enter to return a grade in cell D5.

Copy the formula to the rest of the cells using the Fill Handle.

Method 2 – Using the VLOOKUP Function to Compute Grades

The VLOOKUP function searches for data in a table organized vertically. Here this function is used to look up data in the Score-Criteria table in our dataset. The Score column should be organized in an ascending manner starting from 0 and going to 90.

Steps:

Double-click on cell D5 and type in the below formula:

=VLOOKUP(C5,$F$5:$G$9,2,TRUE)

Press Enter to return a grade in cell D5.

Copy the formula to the rest of the cells using the Fill Handle.

Method 3 – Applying IFS Function to Calculate Grades

We can use the IFS function to test multiple conditions without multiple IF statements.

Steps:

Click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:

=IFS(C5>=90,"A",C5>=80,"B",C5>=70,"C",C5>=60,"D",C5<60,"F")

Press Enter to return a grade in cell D5.

Copy the formula to the rest of the cells using the Fill Handle.

How to Count the Number of Students with Each Grade

The COUNTIF function can be used to count the number of students who received each grade. This function counts the number of cells in a range that meet specific criteria.