Canvas Gradebook Quirks: A Faculty Guide to Accurate Calculations

Have you ever noticed a discrepancy between the average you calculate for a group of assignments (like quizzes) and the average Canvas displays? You're not alone. This is one of the most common grading puzzles in Canvas, and it stems from a crucial difference in how the calculation is performed.

This article will explain the "why" behind the difference and offer practical strategies for managing it in your course.

The Core Concept: Points vs. Percentages

The heart of the issue is this: Canvas calculates assignment group grades based on total points, not the average of percentages.

When you set a rule to "drop the lowest score," Canvas identifies the lowest score based on the percentage, but then it calculates the group average using raw points.

Let's see this in action with a classic example.

A Tale of Two Calculations

Imagine you have a "Quizzes" group with four quizzes, and you have a rule to drop the lowest one.

What You Might Expect (Averaging Percentages):

You drop the 60%, then average the percentages of the remaining three quizzes.

What Canvas Actually Does (Averaging Points):

Canvas drops Quiz 4 (6 out of 10 points) and then calculates the average based on the remaining raw points.

• Total Points Earned: 9 + 15 + 20 = 44
• Total Points Possible: 10 + 20 + 25 = 55
• Canvas Calculation: 44 ÷ 55 = 80.0%

The Result: A difference of 1.7 percentage points. This gap can grow wider when assignments have very different point values.

Why Does Canvas Do This?

Canvas's method is mathematically sound and is designed to correctly weight assignments within a group. A 50-point quiz should have a greater impact on the final average than a 10-point quiz. The points-based method ensures this happens automatically.

Can I Change This Behavior?

Unfortunately, no. Canvas does not have a built-in setting to average by percentage within an assignment group. The points-based calculation is the default and only method.

Practical Strategies for Faculty

Since you can't change the system, here are four effective ways to work with it.

1. Standardize Your Point Values (The Simplest Fix)

The most straightforward way to ensure the points-based average matches the percentage-based average is to make all assignments in a group worth the same number of points.

• Example: Make all quizzes worth 10 points, or all homework assignments worth 100 points. When point values are equal, the two calculation methods produce identical results.

2. Be Strategic with Assignment Weights

Remember that if you weight assignment groups in your syllabus (e.g., Quizzes 20%, Essays 40%), that weight is applied to the points-based average of the group. Understanding the points-based calculation helps you predict the final grade more accurately.

3. Use a Spreadsheet to Model Grades

For complex sets of assignments, you can create a simple spreadsheet to mimic Canvas's logic and see the result before it happens. This is great for your own planning and for helping students understand their grades.

4. Communicate Clearly with Your Students

Transparency is key. Since this behavior isn't always intuitive, a short note in your syllabus or a "How Grades Are Calculated" page can prevent confusion and reduce "Gradebook Anxiety."

Sample Language for Your Syllabus or Course Page

You can copy and adapt the text below for your students.

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

atst@spcollege.edu

 Phone at 727-341-3500

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

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