Gradings

Gradings are systematic evaluations that assign a qualitative or quantitative value to something based on predefined criteria. They serve to differentiate levels of quality, performance, or characteristics and to sort items or participants accordingly. Gradings are used in many fields, with procedures and scales tailored to the domain.

In education, grades indicate achievement on coursework, exams, and assignments. Common systems use letter grades (A through F) or numeric percentages, sometimes condensed into a Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent. Rubrics, weighting of components, and standardized tests inform final grades. Grading policies aim for reliability and fairness but can be affected by mechanics like late penalties, curve adjustments, or grade inflation.

In quality control and commodity markets: grading classifies products by quality levels to guide pricing and selection. Examples include meat grading (such as Prime, Choice, and Select in beef), dairy products, grains, and fruits and vegetables. Other domains assign grades to lumber, gemstones, and minerals based on established criteria like size, color, clarity, and defects. Some jurisdictions publish official grading standards or use private grading companies; audits and calibration help maintain consistency.

Grading is typically performed by trained inspectors or educators who apply explicit criteria and may offer recourse if a grade is disputed. Standards may be national, regional, or industry-specific, and some fields use numerical scores in addition to or instead of categorical grades.

While grading provides a basis for comparison and decision making, it can reflect cultural or institutional biases and continue evolving with new assessment methods and standards.