How to use the Negative Marking Score Calculator
- 1. Enter your answersType the total questions, correct answers and wrong answers.
- 2. Set the schemeEnter marks per correct answer, the cut per wrong answer and options per question.
- 3. See your scoreGet your net score, accuracy, marks lost and a guessing guide.
How negative marking is calculated
Score = correct answers × marks per correct − wrong answers × penalty per wrong. Questions you leave blank get 0.
Worked example with the defaults: 100 questions, 60 correct and 20 wrong, with +4 and −1. The score is 60 × 4 − 20 × 1 = 240 − 20 = 220 out of 400. You lost 20 marks to wrong answers, and your accuracy on attempted questions is 60 ÷ 80 = 75%.
Should you guess?
A blind guess on a question with 4 options is right one time in four. With +4 and −1, its average value is 4 × ¼ − 1 × ¾ = +0.25, so a pure guess slightly helps on average. With +1 and −⅓ (0.3333), the average is exactly 0. If you can rule out even one option, your chance improves and guessing becomes better.
The tool also shows the break-even certainty: guess only if you are surer than penalty ÷ (marks + penalty). For +4 and −1 that is 20%. This is an average, and a few bad guesses can still cost you. Check the official scheme of your exam, because some sections have no negative marking. For aptitude practice, see the aptitude test and the GATE score calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enter a one-third mark penalty?
Enter 0.3333 in the penalty field. For a quarter mark, enter 0.25.
Do unattempted questions lose marks?
Not in most exams. The tool gives 0 for questions you leave blank.
Is guessing always a good idea when the average is positive?
Not always. It is an average over many guesses. If you can rule out options, your odds are better; if not, a few wrong guesses can still lower your score.
Is this tool free?
Yes. You enter your name and WhatsApp number once when you see your result, and other Uncodemy tools then open without the form.