Add or Update a Course Grading Scheme

A grading scheme controls how Canvas converts scores into letter grades. If the grading scheme you need is not already available at the account level, you can create one for your course.

Note: A grading scheme will not apply to student grades until it is enabled in the course settings.

Open Course Settings

  1. In the course navigation menu, select Settings.

    Settings tab in Canvas course navigation

  2. Select the Course Details tab.

    Open Course Details

  3. Select the Enable course grading scheme checkbox.

    Enable course grading scheme checkbox

Tip: Enabling this option may apply a default Canvas grading scale. Select View to review the scheme and confirm that it matches your course grading policy.

deafult grading scale from A+ to F with corresponding percentages

Create a New Grading Scheme

If the default grading scheme does not match your course, create a new one.

  1. Select + New Grading Scheme.

    Add New Grading Scheme button

  2. Enter a name for the grading scheme in the Grading Scheme Name field.

  3. Choose whether the scheme should use percentages or points.

  4. Update the grade names and minimum values for each range.

    New Grading Scheme window with various fields to enter for a personalized scheme

  5. Add or remove ranges as needed.

  6. When the grading scheme is complete, select Save.

Important: The grading scheme must cover the full range from 100% to 0%. If you are using points, it must also cover the full range from 100 to 0.

Manage Existing Grading Schemes

After a grading scheme has been created, you can manage it from the course grading scheme area.

Canvas shows the grading scheme currently enabled in the course, if one is active. To view all available course-level grading schemes, select Manage All Grading Schemes.

Manage All Grading Schemes button in the course details of the Canvas course

From the grading scheme list, you can duplicate, edit, archive, or delete a grading scheme.

Manage grading schemes area with all grading schemes listed with options to edit, duplicate, and delete

Best Practices

  • Review your syllabus grading scale before creating or editing a Canvas grading scheme.

  • Make sure the minimum values for each range do not leave gaps.

  • Use clear grading scheme names so they are easy to identify later.

  • Confirm the correct grading scheme is enabled before final grades are calculated.