I want groups of assignments to contribute to the final grade by weighted percentages

Each instructor’s Canvas course can be as unique and as different as the various course offerings available at Indiana University. This is a great feature for customization, however can also become difficult when just trying to set your gradebook to calculate the way you had envisioned. Some instructors like to assign points to assignments based on a total point calculation for the course. If that’s you, weighting the assignment groups is not necessary and can sometimes complicate your gradebook from the student perspective.

Other instructors like to create as many assessments as they see fit without considering how the points will add up in the course overall. Rather, points in each assignment group would be added up and contribute a pre-defined percentage towards the final grade (i.e. Exams 60%, Papers 30%, Attendance/Participation 10%). Canvas can actually help you to calculate your grades based on these weighted percentages assigned to assignment groups.

To set up weighted percentages on assignment categories, you need to start by creating all the assignment groups in the Canvas Assignments tool. Once the assignment groups have been defined, select the gear tool in the upper right of the assignments page to adjust the settings. By checking the box “Weight final grade based on assignment groups,” you will be given the opportunity to define the weights as shown.

Be mindful of the total percentage value; the tool will allow you to finish being under as well as over 100%. For correct grade calculating, you should ensure your weighted groups always add to 100%. This Canvas Guide also provides step by step considerations for setting up your Weighted Assignment Groups.

Know a colleague who might benefit from this information? CITL encourages you to forward this information to colleagues as well. Interested in learning more about Canvas or the gradebook features? The CITL hosts many workshops that can help you become more familiar with Canvas. Explore the possibilities on the CITL website or contact our office for an individual consultation.