How the Bac Average Is Calculated in Algeria: Coefficients by Stream
Algeria's Bac average = sum of (grade × coefficient) ÷ sum of coefficients. See the coefficients by stream, the 10/20 pass mark, honours and a worked example.
The Algerian Bac average (la moyenne, المعدل) is a weighted average: you multiply each subject's grade (out of 20) by its coefficient, add up the results, then divide by the sum of the coefficients. If the result is 10/20 or higher, you pass. Coefficients differ from one stream to another, so a single subject such as natural sciences or philosophy can weigh more than three others combined. This guide walks through the formula step by step, lists the most commonly used coefficients for each stream, works through a full example and shows how to use coefficients to prioritise your revision.
What is the formula for the Bac average?
The rule is simple: average = sum of (grade × coefficient) ÷ sum of coefficients. A coefficient reflects how much a subject counts in your stream: the higher it is, the more that grade moves your final result. Optional subjects follow a special rule, explained below.
- 1Write down your grades in every compulsory subject (out of 20).
- 2Multiply each grade by that subject's coefficient for your stream.
- 3Add all the products together to get your total points.
- 4Add up the coefficients of the compulsory subjects.
- 5Divide total points by total coefficients: that is your average out of 20.
What are the Bac coefficients for each stream?
Below are the most commonly used coefficients for the main subjects. They can be revised, so always confirm the official table with the Office National des Examens et Concours (ONEC) or your school administration. Shared subjects (Arabic, French, English, history-geography, Islamic studies, philosophy) usually carry a coefficient of 2 or 3 in science streams and more in literary streams.
- Experimental sciences (Sciences expérimentales): natural and life sciences 6, physics 5, maths 5, Arabic 3, then French, English, philosophy, history-geography and Islamic studies at 2 each (a total of about 29).
- Mathematics (Mathématiques): maths 7, physics 6, Arabic 3, natural sciences 2, and the other shared subjects at around 2.
- Technical mathematics (Technique mathématique): technology (civil, mechanical, electrical or process engineering) around 7, maths 6, physics 6, with smaller coefficients for the rest.
- Management and economics (Gestion et économie): financial accounting around 6, economics and management around 5, maths around 5, history-geography around 4, then Arabic, law and languages.
- Literature and philosophy (Lettres et philosophie): philosophy 6, Arabic 6, history-geography 4, French and English around 3, maths and Islamic studies around 2.
- Foreign languages (Langues étrangères): Arabic, French and English with high coefficients (around 5), the third language (Spanish, German or Italian) around 4, then philosophy and history-geography.
What is the pass mark and what are the honours?
A candidate passes with an overall average of at least 10/20. Honours (mentions) are usually: Passable from 10 to under 12, Assez bien from 12 to under 14, Bien from 14 to under 16 and Très bien from 16 upwards, with special recognition for exceptional averages. Your average matters beyond passing: it drives university placement on the Ministry of Higher Education's Progres platform. Medicine, pharmacy and the grandes écoles require high averages and sometimes a minimum grade in specific subjects.
How do optional subjects like Tamazight and sport count?
Candidates can choose Tamazight (Amazigh language) as an optional subject. Under the rule usually applied, only the points above 10 are counted, multiplied by the coefficient and added to your total, while that coefficient is not added to the divisor. In other words, it can raise your average but never lower it. Physical education and sport counts for candidates who are not exempt, with a small coefficient (usually 1). Since some of these details can change between sessions, check the official circular for your exam year.
If your Tamazight is strong, taking it as an option is close to a free bonus: a 16 with a coefficient of 2 adds 12 points to your total, roughly 0.4 on your average in experimental sciences.
Worked example: an experimental sciences student
Take Amina, a student in Sétif, using the common coefficients for the experimental sciences stream:
- Natural and life sciences: 14 × 6 = 84
- Physics: 12 × 5 = 60
- Maths: 11 × 5 = 55
- Arabic: 13 × 3 = 39
- French: 10 × 2 = 20; English: 15 × 2 = 30
- Philosophy: 9 × 2 = 18; history-geography: 12 × 2 = 24; Islamic studies: 16 × 2 = 32
Total = 362 points, sum of coefficients = 29, so the average = 362 ÷ 29 ≈ 12.48: a pass with Assez bien. Had she taken Tamazight as an option and scored 14/20 (coefficient 2), the points above 10 would add 4 × 2 = 8: a total of 370 and an average of about 12.76.
How can you use coefficients to prioritise revision?
Coefficients show where your effort pays off most. In the example above, one extra point in natural sciences raises the average by about 0.21 (6 ÷ 29), while one extra point in philosophy adds only about 0.07 (2 ÷ 29). A point in the core subject is worth three points in a minor one.
- Give the largest share of your study time to the high-coefficient subjects of your stream, without dropping the others.
- Avoid disaster grades: a 3 in a coefficient-2 subject costs you 14 points compared with a 10.
- Estimate your average after each term and identify the subject whose improvement gains you the most.
- If your weak spot is a core subject, focused private lessons in it usually beat general support spread across every subject.
To plan the whole year, read our Bac preparation guide. If you need help in a high-coefficient subject, you can find a teacher by subject and wilaya on Tadreasy, look through their account and contact them directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a resit session for the Algerian Bac? In recent sessions there has been no general resit: only the average from the regular session counts. Watch announcements from the Ministry of Education and ONEC for any change.
Do school-year grades count towards the Bac average? No. The Bac average is based only on the national exam. School report cards may still be used for orientation or certain special procedures.
Can Tamazight lower my average? Under the usual rule, no, because only points above 10 are counted. Still, check the conditions for the current session before you register.
Where can I find the official coefficients for my stream? Ask your school administration or check the ONEC website; they are the official references.
