DepEd Grading System in the Philippines: Complete Guide
The DepEd grading system follows a competency-based approach for K–12 learners. Grades are based on Written Work, Performance Tasks, and Quarterly Assessments, with weightings depending on the subject area. A raw score of 60% is the minimum passing grade, which is then transmuted to 75% on report cards, following DepEd’s official transmutation tables.
What is the DepEd Grading System?
The Department of Education (DepEd) designed a standards-based grading system under DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015 to ensure grades reflect mastery of learning competencies. Instead of grading purely on exams, DepEd requires a balance of:
- Written Work (WW): Quizzes, essays, assignments
- Performance Tasks (PT): Projects, presentations, group activities
- Quarterly Assessment (QA): Summative exams
The goal is to measure knowledge, skills, and performance, not just memorization.
Grade Components and Weightings
The weight distribution varies by subject area. For example:
Grades 1–10 (DepEd)
|
Subject Type |
Written Work |
Performance Task |
Quarterly Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Languages, AP, EsP |
30% |
50% |
20% |
|
Science, Math |
40% |
40% |
20% |
|
MAPEH |
20% |
60% |
20% |
|
EPP/TLE |
30% |
50% |
20% |
Aside from DepEd, universities follow their own grading systems in the Philippines
Senior High School (SHS)
|
Track |
Written Work |
Performance Task |
Quarterly Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Core Subjects |
25% |
50% |
25% |
|
Applied/Academic |
25% |
45% |
30% |
|
Tech-Voc/Livelihood |
25% |
50% |
25% |
These weightings ensure performance tasks and real-world applications are highly valued.
How Grades Are Computed (Step-by-Step)
- Get Raw Scores for WW, PT, and QA.
- Compute Percentages per component.
- Apply Weighting System (multiply by assigned percentage).
- Add to get Initial Grade.
- Convert Initial Grade → Quarterly Grade using DepEd Transmutation Table.
DepEd Transmutation Table
DepEd uses a conversion chart so raw grades are “transmuted” to standard values on report cards.
- Raw 100 → 100
- Raw 98–99 → 99
- Raw 95–97 → 98
- Raw 90–92 → 95
- Raw 60 → 75 (passing)
- Below 60 → still converted to 60, the lowest possible transmuted score
This means no student gets below 60 on report cards, but anything below 75 is considered “Did Not Meet Expectations.”
Special Notes for Senior High School (SHS)
- Core and applied tracks have different QA weightings (25–30%).
- SHS students in STEM, ABM, HUMSS, TVL strands follow the same computation logic but grading emphasis changes by strand.
- Transmutation tables for SHS follow the same 60–100 range.
Teacher Tools for Grading
DepEd provides official e-Class Record templates to help teachers compute grades consistently.
- Excel-based forms automatically apply weights and transmutation.
- Teachers input raw scores → system outputs quarterly grades.
Awards & Recognition Based on Grades
DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2016 sets criteria for awards:
- Academic Excellence:
- With Highest Honors (98–100)
- With High Honors (95–97)
- With Honors (90–94)
- Conduct Awards and Special Awards (Leadership, Research, Sports, Arts)
This means quarterly grades directly affect eligibility for recognition.
For shifting courses, some universities use CWA instead of GWA. Check our article on CWA vs GWA
Common Misconceptions About the DepEd Grading System
Sample Calculation
Example (Grade 8 – Science):
- Written Work: 85%
- Performance Task: 80%
- Quarterly Assessment: 75%
Computation:
- WW (40%): 85 × 0.40 = 34
- PT (40%): 80 × 0.40 = 32
- QA (20%): 75 × 0.20 = 15
Initial Grade = 81
Transmuted = 86 (Satisfactory)
Why This System Matters
- Ensures fair, competency-based grading.
- Balances academic knowledge + real-world performance.
- Prevents unfairly low scores (via 60–75 transmutation).
- Encourages students to focus not only on exams but also on projects and tasks.
Learn more about what GWA means and how it differs from GPA in the Philippines.
FAQs About the DepEd Grading System
What is the passing grade in DepEd?
75% is the minimum passing grade. Raw scores of 60% are transmuted to 75.
What is the lowest possible grade in a report card?
60 is the lowest final grade that can appear, even if the raw score is lower.
How are grades computed in SHS?
Same formula, but QA weight is higher (25–30%).
Do all subjects have the same weights?
No. Languages, Math, Science, MAPEH, and SHS strands all have different grade weight distributions.
Can a student with 60 raw still pass?
Yes, because it converts to 75 on the report card.
Once you understand your DepEd grades, the next step is learning how to compute your GWA
The DepEd grading system ensures that learners are assessed holistically through written work, tasks, and exams. With its transmutation rules and weight distributions, it balances academic knowledge and performance.
For parents and students, understanding this system helps make sense of report cards, track academic progress, and aim for honors and awards.
Use our free GWA Calculator to instantly compute your grades.
