This type of Gradebook is a simple calculation of total points. The point value for each item is added up and the total points reflect the cumulative student grade for the course.

For more information on this scenario, see the related article: How do I set up a simple points-based Gradebook?

This type of Gradebook uses categories to organize items into groups. For example, you might group all of the assignments into one category, all the quizzes into another category, and so on. Optionally, once categories have been set up you have the ability to drop the lowest or keep the highest grades within a category.

For more information on this scenario, see the related article: How do I set up a Gradebook with categories for organization and/or dropping grades.

This type of Gradebook uses categories as well as weighting. For example, you might have an discussion category worth 20% of the grade, an assignments category worth 40% of the grade, and a quizzes category worth 40% of the grade.

For more information on this scenario, see the related article: How do I set up a Gradebook with weighted categories?