How attendance percentage works
Absence %
Absences ÷ total × 100. 12 days missed out of 180 = 6.67%.
Attendance %
(Total − absences) ÷ total × 100. Same example: 168 ÷ 180 × 100 = 93.33%. Absence is rounded up and attendance down, so the result never looks better than it is.
Absences allowed
Total × limit ÷ 100. With a 25% limit and 40 classes: 40 × 25 ÷ 100 = 10. If the rule bites when you exceed the limit you may miss 10; if it bites when you reach it, 9.
Most absences allowed by total and limit
Total in days or classes. Figures for a limit that applies when exceeded, rounded down because absences are whole days or classes.
| Total | 25% (75% attendance) | 20% | 15% | 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 45 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 |
| 60 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 6 |
| 90 | 22 | 18 | 13 | 9 |
| 180 | 45 | 36 | 27 | 18 |
Before you rely on it
Rules differ: The limit, how excused absences and late arrivals count, and whether it’s days, classes or hours all differ between schools and colleges; check your own policy.
Reached or exceeded? Some policies apply when absence reaches the limit, others when it exceeds it. Pick the one in your policy: it can change the answer by one class.
Excused absences: If your school doesn’t count excused absences, enter them under “Of which excused” and tick the option to leave them out.
Hours: If your college counts contact hours (a 2-hour class missed = 2 hours), choose “Hours”.
FAQ
How do I calculate my attendance percentage?
Attendance % = classes attended ÷ classes held × 100. If you attended 36 of 45 classes, that’s 80%; your absence is the other 20%.
How many classes can I miss and keep 75% attendance?
A 75% attendance requirement is a 25% absence limit: multiply the total classes by 0.25 and round down. For 45 classes: 11.25, so 11. The calculator subtracts what you have already missed.
How many classes must I attend to get back to 75%?
Use the “So far” tab with the classes held and missed so far. If you’re below the target it shows how many classes in a row you must attend; each class you attend adds to both the attended and the held count.
What is the absence limit at my school?
It differs: 25% is common, others use 20%, 15% or 10%, and some count hours or leave out excused absences. Pick or type your own limit and check your school’s attendance policy.
Does it count late arrivals?
No. Some schools turn a number of late arrivals into an absence; if yours does, add those absences yourself.