Does it matter whether my course uses weighted categories or points?

Enter the same work two ways: as a weighted category and as total points. This computes both independently so you can see whether the two methods actually agree.

Need your next decision? Current Weighted Course Grade

How we calculated this

The weighted result uses the same weighted-aggregate method as Current Weighted Course Grade; the points result uses simple division. Using the example values above, weighted categories give 83%; total points give 80%, a 3-point difference. Whenever category weights do not exactly mirror how points are actually distributed across categories, the two methods can diverge.

Limitations

This does not tell you which method your course actually uses; that is a syllabus question. It only shows you whether the choice would matter for your specific numbers.

Common mistakes

A common error is assuming the two methods will always give similar results because they cover "the same work"; in practice, a course where one category is graded on far more points than its stated weight implies (or far fewer) can produce a meaningfully different grade depending on which method applies, so it is worth checking rather than assuming they converge.

Frequently asked

Why would the two methods ever disagree?: Weighted categories assume each category matters exactly as much as its stated percentage, regardless of how many points it contains. Total points let a category with more points count more, implicitly. When those two things do not line up, the results differ.
Which method is "correct"?: Neither is inherently correct; whichever one your course's syllabus specifies is the one that actually applies to you.
What if my syllabus does not say which method it uses?: Ask your instructor directly; it is a reasonable question, and the answer materially changes your grade calculation whenever the two methods disagree.
Can a course legitimately use both methods for different parts?: Yes; some courses weight categories overall but use points within each category. In that case, use Current Weighted Course Grade with each category's own points-based percentage as its score.
Should I bring this comparison to my instructor if the two disagree?: It can be a useful, specific way to ask; showing the two numbers side by side often clarifies the conversation faster than asking "which method do you use" in the abstract.

Next decision

Once you know which method applies, use Current Weighted Course Grade or Points-Based Course Grade directly.