Not all grades count equally. An exam can have more impact on your final grade than a small assignment. This is called weighting or weighting factors. Understanding how weights work helps you study strategically.
A weighting factor is a number that indicates how heavily a grade counts in your average. The higher the weight, the more influence that grade has.
For example: if an exam has weight 3 and an assignment has weight 1, then the exam counts three times as heavily as the assignment.
In Belgian education, you often see these kinds of weights:
- Exams: weight 3-5 (count the most)
- Major tests: weight 2
- Assignments and tasks: weight 1
- Oral evaluations: weight 1-2
- Practical assignments: depends on the study program
Note: Each school and teacher may use different weights. Always check the specific weights for your subjects!
Suppose you have these grades for math:
- Exam: 12/20 (weight 3)
- Major test: 15/20 (weight 2)
- Assignment: 18/20 (weight 1)
Calculation: (12×3 + 15×2 + 18×1) / (3+2+1) = (36 + 30 + 18) / 6 = 84/6 = 14/20
Without weighting, the average would be (12+15+18)/3 = 15/20. Due to weighting, your average is lower because the exam (your lowest grade) counts the most!
Understanding weights helps you study smart:
- Focus your preparation on components with the highest weight
- A good grade on an exam can compensate for a poor grade on an assignment
- When in doubt about where to study: choose the component with the highest weight
You can find the weights for your subjects in several places:
- In the course guides or syllabi you receive at the beginning of the year
- In Smartschool or your school's digital platform
- By asking your teacher directly
- Know the weights of all your subjects and components
- Invest more time in components with higher weights
- Calculate in advance what grade you need for a certain average
- Don't underestimate small components - together they can also have a big impact
Use our calculator to calculate your weighted average. Enter your grades and weights and see your average instantly.