How to Set Quiz Points Correctly in Canvas

Introduction

This guide explains how to align points in Canvas New Quizzes so student scores display correctly in the Gradebook and are not unintentionally scaled. This issue typically occurs when the total points set in the assignment details do not match the combined point values of the quiz questions.

Contents

How to Align Quiz Points

Why This Matters

If Students Already Took the Quiz

How to Align Quiz Points

To ensure your Canvas Quiz gradebook total matches question points, you must align the "Points Possible" in the Assignment Details with the cumulative points of individual questions in the Build tab.

If the quiz total points is different from the cumulative points of the individual questions in the quiz, Canvas scales the score (e.g., 9/10 correct becomes 45/50 if the quiz is set to 50 points), so set the Assignment Points to the final, desired total, then build your questions to match that number for a 1:1 score. 

1. Create the quiz: Navigate to Quizzes in your course navigation and press the +Quiz/Survey button to add a new quiz.
2. Set Assignment Points: In the assignment details, find the "Points" field and enter the total points you want the quiz to be worth in the gradebook (e.g., 10). Enter the remaining details as well (name, assignment group, etc).
   
3. Build the Quiz: In this screen, scroll down and select Build to build the quiz. 
   
   Assign points to each question, ensuring the sum of these individual question points equals the total you set in the assignment details. In the example above, the quiz total points are 10. I can do any combination of quiz questions and points per question, as long as the total equals 10, so it matches the assignment/gradebook points.
    
   
   Note: In the Build screen, on the left, under the quiz icon, you'll see the sum of the individual question points. This is not the amount of points you put in the Assignment Details screen. 
4. Compare Assignment Details Points vs Total Question Points: Check the total points displayed within the quiz builder and confirm it matches the assignment settings. To check the assignment details/settings, go to Quizzes in your course navigtion. 
   
   Once you've confirmed, save your changes. 
   
    

Why This Matters 

1. Mismatch: If you set a quiz to 100 points in Assignment Details but only add up to 50 points for questions (e.g., 10 x 5-point questions), Canvas calculates the score as a percentage and scales it.
2. Example: A student gets 90% (9/10 questions right). Canvas takes that 90% and applies it to the Assignment Points (90% of 100 = 90 points).
3. Match: If you set it to 50 Assignment Points and the questions add up to 50 points, the score directly reflects the points earned (e.g., 45/50). 

If Students Already Took It

1. If you change the points after students have submitted, you might need to re-grade or manually adjust scores in the Gradebook, as old scores won't automatically update. 

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

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

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