• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Logo University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Educational Development
  • UAMS Health
  • Jobs
  • Giving
  • About Us
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Assistance Request Form
  • eLearning
    • Blackboard Ultra
      • Blackboard Ultra How-To
      • Blackboard Ultra Tip or Trick Archive
      • Request a Sandbox
      • Training Resources
      • Ultra Transition Tips
    • Class Collaborate Decommission
    • eLearning Blog
    • eLearning Training Sessions
    • GoSignMeUp
    • Kaltura
      • Kaltura & Zoom Integration
      • Kaltura How-To
    • PointSolutions
    • Respondus 4.0
    • Respondus LockDown Browser
    • Sharing A Box File In Blackboard or O2
    • SoftChalk Cloud
    • StudyMate Campus
    • Blackboard
      • Blackboard How-To
      • How to Enable Third-Party Cookies in Your Browser
  • Evaluation
  • Instructional Design
    • Active Learning Strategies
    • Consulting Services
    • Course Design & Review
    • Learning Object Design
    • Program Planning
    • Contact Us Today
  • Teaching Resources
    • Copyright
    • Course Basics
    • Multimedia Support
    • New to Teaching
    • Teaching Resources Blog
    • Teaching Tips
  • Educators Academy
    • Educators Academy Guide
      • Educational Innovation Grant
        • Applications Guidelines
      • Mini Library on Teaching and Learning
      • Teaching Observation by Peers (TOPs) Program
    • Event Offerings and Registration
      • Development for Faculty
      • ESSC Faculty Development Continuing Education Information
      • Registration for Faculty Development Events or Programs
    • Recognition of Commitment to Teaching Excellence
  • Teaching Scholars
    • College of Health Professions program*
    • One-on-One program
    • Recent Publications & Presentations
    • Resources
    • Staff
    • College of Health Professions Teaching Scholars 2025
  • Digital Accessibility
  • Educational Innovation Grant
  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. Educational Development
  3. eLearning
  4. Blackboard
  5. Blackboard How-To
  6. Creating a Calculated Weighted Column 

Creating a Calculated Weighted Column 

The Weighted Column is a type of calculated column that generates a grade based on the results of selected columns and categories, and their respective percentages. When creating a weighted column, you can include other calculated columns. 

1. In the Course Management, Control Panel, expand Grade Center and click on Full Grade Center. 

Go to Course Management, Control Panel, Grade Center, and click Full Grade Center.

2. Click on the Create Calculated Column button and then select Weighted Column. 

Choose Weighted Column from the Create Calculated Column tab.

3. Provide a name for the column. Column Name is a required field. Column Name is displayed in the Grade Center if no Grade Center Display Name is entered. This field only displays the first 15 characters in the Column header. 

Name the weighted column.

4. Select the desired options for the Primary Display and Secondary Display. 

Select the primary and secondary display.

5. Scroll down to the Select Columns section. In the Weighted Column you can include Columns or Categories. Add the desired percentage next to each item; the system requires 100% for the Total Weight. 

If you use Categories, you may have several other options: 

a. Select how to Weight Columns within the Category: 
I. Equally applies equal value to all columns within a Category. 
II. Proportionally values each Column based on its points possible compared to other Columns in the Category. 

b. Drop Grades removes a number of either the highest or lowest grades for the Category from the calculation. 

c. Use Only the Lowest or Highest Value to Calculate removes all grades from the calculation except for the best or worst score. 

Select the required columns and categories for the weighted grade.

NOTE: Grade Columns that have been set to No for the setting Include this column in Grade Center Calculations do not display in the selection list. 

6. A Running Total calculates the total by including only the Grade Columns that have been graded. Selecting No for this option includes all Columns in the calculations, using zero (0) for Columns that have not been graded. This can make grades appear artificially low. 

Calculate as running total option

7. Click the Submit button. 

Click Submit.

8. Your new Weighted Column will now appear at the far right in the grade book. You may have to scroll to see it. 

Important Note: One of the columns in the Grade Center must be an External Grade. This column provides details for the Course Analytics. The indicator for the external grade is a green checkmark, and it can be attached to a column using the column Options Menu. 

The column displays as an external grade.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences LogoUniversity of Arkansas for Medical SciencesUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

© 2025 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences