How are review scores aggregated into a single number?

An aggregate compresses many opinions

An aggregate score combines many individual reviews into one figure using a defined method. Some methods average numeric scores, while others convert each review into positive or negative and report a percentage. The method changes what the number means.

What the number hides

A single figure cannot show whether reactions were uniform or sharply split. A broadly liked work and a divisive one can land on a similar score, so the distribution behind the number often matters more than the number itself.

Using aggregates sensibly

An aggregate is a quick summary, not a verdict. Reading a few full reviews, including critical ones, gives a clearer sense of why opinions landed where they did than relying on the headline figure alone.

This article is general information that explains how common cultural signals work. It does not report chart figures, ratings, box-office totals or reviews, and specifics for any title should be confirmed with the relevant source.