KCSE grading system and mean grade calculator
Twelve grades from A to E, each worth points from 12 down to 1. Type a learner’s marks below to see each subject’s grade and the mean grade.
KCSE grades
| Grade | Marks | Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | 80–100% | 12 |
| A- | 75–79% | 11 |
| B+ | 70–74% | 10 |
| B | 65–69% | 9 |
| B- | 60–64% | 8 |
| C+ | 55–59% | 7 |
| C | 50–54% | 6 |
| C- | 45–49% | 5 |
| D+ | 40–44% | 4 |
| D | 35–39% | 3 |
| D- | 30–34% | 2 |
| E | 0–29% | 1 |
In Msingi a school can set its own mark ranges. Grade a whole class →
How it works
The KCSE grading system, explained
Each subject is graded from A (12 points) down to E (1 point). The mean grade comes from the mean of the points, not of the marks: add up the points, divide by the number of subjects, and the nearest whole number of points is the mean grade.
KNEC grades the national KCSE examination against cut-offs it sets after each sitting, and works out the final mean grade over seven subjects under its own rules. The mark ranges here are the ones Kenyan schools commonly use for their own CATs and exams, and a school can change them in Msingi.
How is the KCSE mean grade worked out?
From points. Each subject’s grade carries points, A = 12 down to E = 1. The mean of those points, rounded to the nearest whole point, is the mean grade: a mean of 9 points is a B.
What marks give an A in KCSE?
For school exams, 80% and above is commonly an A, 75 to 79 an A-, and 70 to 74 a B+. KNEC does not publish fixed marks for the national exam; it sets its cut-offs after marking.
How many subjects count towards the KCSE mean grade?
Seven, in KNEC’s calculation. Enter the seven subjects in the calculator to see the mean grade they give.
Is this calculator KNEC’s?
No. It is a free tool by Msingi that grades marks the way Kenyan schools grade internal exams. It cannot predict a KNEC result.
Msingi does this for every learner
Teachers enter marks once. Grades, means, positions and the report card for a whole class come out, the way Kenya schools print them.