How does a grading curve work?

The purpose of a grading curve is to establish criteria for determining letter grades in an academic environment. Regardless of actual test scores, a few students receive high grades and the remaining students receive average to below-average grades.

A grading curve is established by identifying the highest score and creating grade criteria based on it. For example, if the highest grade is an 80 percent, then this score becomes the requirement for getting an "A." Criteria for lower grades is also established based on this requirement. In this case, for example, a "B" might be 72 percent, and a "C" might be 66 percent.