How to Calculate Percentage in CBSE Class 12?

Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026, 18:53 IST

Learn how to calculate CBSE Class 12 percentage with a simple step-by-step formula. Check how to calculate the best of five percent, include practical marks, and avoid common mistakes during college admissions and competitive exam applications.

Key Points

  • Percentage = (Total Marks Obtained / Maximum Marks) * 100
  • Practical marks are included in the final subject marks.
  • English is often compulsory for university admissions.

Calculating percentage in CBSE Class 12 is extremely important for students after board results are declared. Whether you are applying for college admissions, competitive exams, scholarships, or filling out online forms, you are often required to enter your Class 12 percentage instead of CGPA or individual subject marks.

Many students get confused about:

  • Should practical marks be included?

  • Is English compulsory?

  • How to calculate the percentage of the best five subjects?

  • What if there are six subjects?

In this article, you will get a clear step-by-step method to calculate percentage in CBSE Class 12, including formulas, examples, important rules, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is the Formula to Calculate CBSE Class 12 Percentage?

The basic formula to calculate percentage is:

{Percentage = (Total Marks Obtained ÷ Maximum Marks) × 100}

This formula works for:

  • All 5 subjects

  • Best of five subjects

  • All 6 subjects (if required)

Step-by-Step Process to Calculate CBSE Class 12 Percentage

Step 1: Add Marks of Required Subjects

First, add the marks of the subjects you want to calculate percentage for.

Usually, students calculate percentage of:

  • Best 5 subjects, or

  • All 5 main subjects

Step 2: Calculate Total Maximum Marks

In CBSE Class 12, most subjects are of 100 marks each.

If calculating for:

  • 5 subjects → Maximum marks = 500

  • 6 subjects → Maximum marks = 600

Step 3: Apply the Percentage Formula

Use the formula:

Percentage = (Total Marks ÷ Total Maximum Marks) × 100

CHECK:

Example: How to Calculate CBSE Class 12 Percentage

Let’s understand with an example.

Subject

Marks Obtained

English

92

Physics

85

Chemistry

88

Maths

90

Computer Science

95

Step 1: Add the Marks

92 + 85 + 88 + 90 + 95 = 450

Step 2: Maximum Marks

5 subjects × 100 = 500

Step 3: Apply Formula

(450 ÷ 500) × 100 = 90%

✅ Final Percentage = 90%

Should You Include Practical Marks in CBSE Percentage?

Yes. In CBSE Class 12:

  • Practical marks are already included in your final subject marks.

  • You do NOT need to calculate theory and practical separately.

  • Simply use the final marks mentioned in your marksheet.

CHECK: CBSE Class 12 Study Material for Board Exam 2026

How to Calculate Best of Five Percentage in CBSE Class 12?

Many colleges ask for Best of Five marks.

Steps:

  1. Choose the five highest scoring subjects.

  2. Add their marks.

  3. Divide by 500.

  4. Multiply by 100.

Important Tip: English is often compulsory in many university admissions (like DU). Always check the college eligibility criteria.

How to Convert CGPA to Percentage in CBSE Class 12?

CBSE Class 12 generally provides marks, not CGPA. However, if required:

{Percentage = CGPA × 9.5}

(Note: This formula was mainly used for Class 10 earlier.)

CHECK:

Common Mistakes Students Make While Calculating Percentage

❌ Forgetting to check if English is mandatory
❌ Calculating percentage of 6 subjects when only 5 are required
❌ Not using best five subjects
❌ Excluding practical marks
❌ Rounding off incorrectly

Why is Class 12 Percentage Important?

Your CBSE Class 12 percentage is required for:

  • College admissions (DU, IPU, state universities)

  • CUET eligibility

  • Government exams

  • Scholarship applications

  • Job applications

A small calculation mistake can affect eligibility, so always calculate carefully. By following the step-by-step method mentioned above, you can accurately calculate your Class 12 percentage without confusion. Make sure to double-check your calculations before submitting any admission or scholarship form.

Also Check:

CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026 

CBSE Class 12 Topper Answer Sheet 2025

CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers 2026

CBSE Class 12 Previous Year Question Papers

CBSE Class 12 Last 10 Days Study Plan for Board Exam 2026

 

Apeksha Agarwal
Apeksha Agarwal

Content Writer

Apeksha Agarwal is a content writer whose commitment is to helping the students succeed. She dedicates her work to delivering timely, accurate, and genuinely impactful coverage of essential Education News and school topics. As an education beat writer, she specializes in clarifying complex School Board updates (like CBSE) and providing practical, Exam Preparation guidance. She strives to be a definitive and trustworthy source of academic information, making the competitive journey clearer for students and parents. Ultimately, her mission is to craft educational content that is highly visible, easy to understand, and fundamentally useful to their daily lives. She can be reached at apeksha.agarwal@jagrannewmedia.com.

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