1. What is Weighted Average?

The weighted average (WA) is a calculation that takes into account the varying degrees of importance of the numbers in a data set. Unlike a regular average where all numbers are treated equally, a weighted average assigns weights that determine the relative importance of each number.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the weighted average formula:

Where:

• \( WA \) — Weighted average
• \( w_i \) — Weight of the ith test
• \( t_i \) — Score of the ith test

Explanation: Each test score is multiplied by its weight, these products are summed, and then divided by the sum of all weights.

3. Importance of Weighted Average

Details: Weighted averages are crucial in academic grading systems where different tests or assignments have different importance, in financial calculations like portfolio returns, and in many statistical analyses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

1. Enter the number of tests you want to include
2. For each test, enter the score and its relative weight
3. Higher weights mean that test has more impact on the final average
4. Click "Calculate" to get your weighted average

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between average and weighted average?
A: Regular average treats all values equally, while weighted average accounts for the relative importance of each value.

Q2: How should I determine weights?
A: Weights should reflect the relative importance of each test. For example, a final exam might have higher weight than a quiz.

Q3: Can weights be percentages?
A: Yes, but the calculator normalizes them automatically. You can enter 20 for 20% or 0.2 - the result will be the same.

Q4: What if all weights are equal?
A: If all weights are equal, the weighted average will be the same as the regular average.

Q5: Can I use this for non-academic purposes?
A: Absolutely! This calculator works for any scenario where you need to calculate a weighted average.