Quick answer
Local Canvas grades tools are more private and work offline; online tools save installation but files leave your device. LMS grades may omit ungraded work or have misconfigured weights; don't trust the dashboard alone.
Why it matters
Use local for sensitive files; online is fine for small temporary ones.
Check syllabus/gradebook details.
Step by step
- Read the syllabus: weights, drop-lowest, curve and rounding rules.
- Convert the current grade to a percentage and confirm which work is still ungraded.
- Back-solve the final: target - (current x (1 - weight)) / weight.
- Check >100/secured/edge cases; don't treat an estimate as a promise.
- Save a screenshot/confirm with the instructor, especially for scholarships/graduation.
Common mistakes
- Treating assignment points as the overall grade without weights.
- Forgetting ungraded work/participation.
- Treating a >100 requirement as 'just try harder'.
- Ignoring drop-lowest/curve/rounding rules.
Checklist
- Weights/total points/ungraded items confirmed.
- Current grade is a percentage, not raw points.
- Final weight/target entered correctly.
- >100/secured cases checked.
- Screenshot/instructor confirmation saved.
Key facts
- Check syllabus/gradebook details.
- Instructors may adjust weights at the end.
FAQ
Local or online tools for Canvas grades?
Local Canvas grades tools are more private and work offline; online tools save installation but files leave your device. LMS grades may omit ungraded work or have misconfigured weights; don't trust the dashboard alone.
How long does it take?
Usually 1-3 minutes; for intermittent issues, run 30 seconds and retest elsewhere.
Is data uploaded?
Runs locally and does not upload video/audio; extensions may still read the page.
Source: Instructure