Free Digital Gradebook: How to Set One Up with Google Docs and Formswrite
Adele
•
June 04, 2025
Free Digital Gradebook: How to Set One Up with Google Docs and Formswrite

Managing student grades doesn’t have to involve complicated software or manual tracking. With Google Docs and a free tool like Formswrite , you can build a free digital gradebook that’s simple, organized, and shareable. Whether you're a teacher, tutor, or homeschooling parent, this guide will walk you through the steps to streamline your grading process using tools you already love.
Why Use a Digital Gradebook?
Digital gradebooks save time, reduce paper clutter, and make it easier to update and share information with students and parents. Google Docs provides a cloud-based solution that you can access anywhere - and when paired with Formswrite.com , collecting student data becomes effortless.
How to Create a Free Digital Gradebook (Step-by-Step)
1. Set Up Your Gradebook in Google Docs or Google Sheets
Start with a simple table or spreadsheet. Include the following columns:
Student Name
Assignment Title
Grade
Comments
Date Submitted
Google Sheets is great for automatic calculations, while Google Docs offers flexibility in layout. Choose whichever works best for you.
2. Create a Google Doc for Student Submissions
If you want students to submit their work or self-evaluations, create a template in Google Docs with prompts or assignment questions.
3. Convert Your Doc to a Google Form with Formswrite
This is where Formswrite shines. Go to Formswrite.com and upload or paste the link to your Google Doc. With one click , your document is converted into a fully-functional Google Form.
No need to manually copy and paste questions or use a plugin—Formswrite isn’t a plugin; it’s a free website that does the work for you in seconds.
4. Collect Grades and Submissions via the Form
Once your Google Form is live, students can easily fill it out. Their responses automatically populate in a linked Google Sheet, which you can then use as your digital gradebook.
5. Analyze and Share Grades Easily
With Google Sheets, you can:
Calculate averages using formulas
Color-code grades for quick review
Create visual charts for student progress
You can also share individual student performance reports or maintain a master gradebook for your records.
6. Keep Everything Organized
Store your Docs, Forms, and Sheets in Google Drive folders labeled by class, semester, or subject. This keeps your workflow clean and accessible.
Why Use Formswrite?
No plugin required
100% free
Instant conversion from Google Docs to Forms
Ideal for quizzes, feedback forms, and assignment submissions
Using Formswrite.com saves hours of setup time and integrates seamlessly into your Google ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What is Formswrite?
Formswrite is a free website that lets you convert Google Docs into Google Forms in one click. It’s not a plugin or extension—just visit the site and start using it.
❓ Is the digital gradebook free?
Yes! Using Google Docs, Forms, and Sheets is free with a Google account, and Formswrite is also free to use.
❓ Can I customize the Forms created with Formswrite?
Yes, once your form is generated, you can open it in Google Forms and make any customizations you need.
❓ Do I need tech skills to do this?
Not at all! If you can use Google Docs, you can create a digital gradebook using this method.