KCSE Mean Grade & CBE Level Calculator
Work out a learner's KCSE mean grade and points from their marks, and turn CBE scores into performance levels (EE, ME, AE, BE and the 8-level scale). The grading scale can be changed to match your school.
Change the grading scale (marks needed for each grade)
Change the levels (scores needed for each level)
How the KCSE mean grade is worked out
Each subject's mark is turned into a grade and points: A is 12 points and E is 1. The points of 7 subjects are added (the most is 84) and divided by 7 to get the mean points, which are rounded to the nearest whole point to give the mean grade.
| Mean grade | Total points (7 subjects) | Mean grade | Total points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 81–84 | C | 39–45 |
| A- | 74–80 | C- | 32–38 |
| B+ | 67–73 | D+ | 25–31 |
| B | 60–66 | D | 18–24 |
| B- | 53–59 | D- | 11–17 |
| C+ | 46–52 | E | 7–10 |
In the real KCSE, KNEC grades each subject from its own grading of that paper, so mark cut-offs are not fixed. Schools set their own cut-offs for internal exams; change the scale above to match yours.
CBE performance levels
Under CBE (formerly CBC), learners are described by performance levels instead of grades: EE Exceeding Expectations, ME Meeting Expectations, AE Approaching Expectations and BE Below Expectations. KNEC's junior school assessment splits each level in two (EE1 and EE2 and so on), giving 8 levels worth 8 points down to 1.
Questions and answers
How is the KCSE mean grade calculated?
Each subject grade earns points, from A (12) to E (1). The points of 7 subjects (Mathematics, one language and the best 5 other subjects) are added, giving a total out of 84. The total divided by 7 is the mean points, which is rounded to the nearest whole number to give the mean grade.
How many total points do I need for a C+?
A mean grade of C+ needs 46 to 52 points in 7 subjects. B- needs 53 to 59, B needs 60 to 66, and A needs 81 to 84.
What do EE, ME, AE and BE mean?
They are CBE performance levels: Exceeding Expectations (EE), Meeting Expectations (ME), Approaching Expectations (AE) and Below Expectations (BE). Junior school assessment splits each level in two, from EE1 (8 points) to BE2 (1 point).
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