Negative Marking Calculator

Understanding Negative Marking

Quickly calculate your final score in exams with negative marking. Enter your total questions, correct/incorrect answers, and the marking scheme to see your result.

Key Factors Explained

• Total Questions: The total number of questions in the exam paper.
• Correct Answers: The number of questions you answered correctly.
• Incorrect Answers: The number of questions you answered incorrectly.
• Marks per Correct Answer: The points awarded for a single correct answer.
• Marks Deducted per Incorrect Answer: The points subtracted for a single incorrect answer. This is the "negative marking" value.

The Formula

The calculation for your final score is a simple but crucial formula that balances your correct answers against the penalty for your incorrect ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is negative marking?

Negative marking is a penalty system used in many competitive exams where points are deducted from your total score for each incorrect answer. This is done to discourage random guessing and to reward students who are confident in their knowledge.

How does negative marking affect my exam strategy?

It forces you to be more strategic. You must weigh the potential gain of a correct answer against the penalty of an incorrect one. If you can confidently eliminate some options but are unsure of the final answer, you must decide if the risk of guessing is worth it.

Is it better to guess or leave a question unanswered?

It depends on the number of options and the deduction value. If there is no penalty for unattempted questions, it is often better to leave a question unanswered if you have no idea what the correct answer is. If you can narrow down the choices, a calculated guess might be beneficial, but this involves risk.

For a more in-depth guide, read our detailed article on this topic.