How do I know what weight my exam has?

The teacher usually communicates the weights at the beginning of the semester. If you're unsure, ask directly.

Can I compensate a double-weighted grade with small tests?

Theoretically yes, but you need a lot of perfect small tests. To compensate a 3.0 (weight 2) with 6.0 tests (weight 0.5), you need 4 such tests.

Does weighting also apply to report card grades between subjects?

Yes! In some cantons, core subjects like German and Mathematics count double for the promotion average.

What if I don't know the weighting?

If nothing else is said, assume weight 1 for all grades. This corresponds to the arithmetic average.

How Does Grade Weighting Work?

What does 'counts single' or 'counts double' mean?

Not all achievements are worth the same. Weighting is a mathematical factor that determines how strongly a single grade affects the overall average.

Weighted Average

The Balance Principle

Think of the average as a balance scale. A grade with weight 2 lies 'heavier' on the scale than a grade with weight 1. It pulls the average more strongly in its direction.

Typical Weights in Switzerland

0.5 (Half) Small tests, vocabulary tests, homework checks

1.0 (Full) Normal class tests, standard case

2.0 (Double) Semester exams, Matura preliminary grades, important projects

How Do You Calculate It?

Mathematically, the grade is 'thrown into the pot' as many times as its weight indicates.

A 5.0 with weight 2 and a 4.0 with weight 1 is calculated as: (5.0 + 5.0 + 4.0) / 3. You divide at the end by the sum of weights (2 + 1 = 3), not by the number of exams (2).

Weighted Average

The Impact on the Average

A bad grade with high weighting is hard to compensate. Conversely, a very good grade with high weighting can compensate for many small 'slips'.

Weight 2 influences the average twice as much as weight 1
Weight 0.5 influences the average only half as much
Focus on exams with high weighting

Example from School Life

A student has the following grades in Mathematics:

1 Vocabulary test: 6.0 (weight 0.5)
2 Class test 1: 4.5 (weight 1)
3 Class test 2: 5.0 (weight 1)
4 Semester exam: 4.0 (weight 2)

(6.0×0.5 + 4.5×1 + 5.0×1 + 4.0×2) / (0.5+1+1+2) = 20.5 / 4.5 = 4.56 → Report card grade: 4.5

Summary

Always pay attention to the weight of an exam. A 6.0 on a vocabulary test (weight 0.5) won't save a 3.0 on the main exam (weight 2).

Frequently Asked Questions About Weighting

How do I know what weight my exam has?: The teacher usually communicates the weights at the beginning of the semester. If you're unsure, ask directly.
Can I compensate a double-weighted grade with small tests?: Theoretically yes, but you need a lot of perfect small tests. To compensate a 3.0 (weight 2) with 6.0 tests (weight 0.5), you need 4 such tests.
Does weighting also apply to report card grades between subjects?: Yes! In some cantons, core subjects like German and Mathematics count double for the promotion average.
What if I don't know the weighting?: If nothing else is said, assume weight 1 for all grades. This corresponds to the arithmetic average.