How to use the Final Grade Calculator
- Enter your current grade in the course as a percentage.
- Enter the weight of the final exam, as listed in the syllabus. A final worth 30% of the grade is entered as 30.
- Enter the final course grade you want.
- Read the score needed on the final and the note beside it.
Formula used
Needed = (target − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight, with the weight as a decimal. Example: (85 − 82 × 0.7) ÷ 0.3.
Worked example
Here is the Final Grade Calculator worked through with the example values shown above, so you can check each step by hand.
| Inputs | |
|---|---|
| Current grade | 82 % |
| Weight of the final | 30 % |
| Grade you want | 85 % |
| Result | |
| Score needed on the final | 92% |
| What it means | A very high score is needed. |
Score needed for different target grades
With the default current grade of 82% and a final worth 30%.
| Grade you want | Score needed on the final |
|---|---|
| 70 % | 42% |
| 75 % | 58.67% |
| 80 % | 75.33% |
| 85 % | 92% |
| 90 % | 108.67% |
| 95 % | 125.33% |
The formula
Your course grade is a weighted average: (current grade × the share already graded) + (final score × the weight of the final). To find the final score you need, rearrange: needed = (target − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight.
With a current grade of 82%, a final worth 30% and a target of 85%, the work already graded counts for 70%: 82 × 0.7 = 57.4. You need 27.6 more points from the final, which is worth 30%, so the needed score is 27.6 ÷ 0.3 = 92%.
How the weight changes the answer
The heavier the final, the more it can lift or sink your grade, and the less your current grade matters. With the same 82% and an 85% target, a final worth 20% would need 97%, one worth 30% needs 92%, one worth 40% needs 89.5% and one worth 50% needs 88%.
A smaller final means you cannot move your grade much, up or down. A larger one gives more room for a comeback, but also more risk.
Scores needed for different targets
With a current grade of 82% and a 30% final: to finish with 70% you need 42%, with 75% you need 58.7%, with 80% you need 75.3%, with 90% you need 108.7% and with 95% you need 125.3%.
If the answer is above 100%, the target cannot be reached with the final alone. For example, an A at 95% from an 82% base would need 125.3% on the final. Unless extra credit exists, a lower target is realistic.
Using it well
Check how your teacher rounds grades and how the final is weighted; some courses use a different scheme, such as dropping the lowest score or weighting by categories. If your grade is made of categories such as homework, quizzes and exams, enter the current overall percentage that your teacher reports.
This calculator gives a number, not a plan. If the score you need is high, use it to decide how much time to give the exam compared with your other courses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the grade I need on the final?
Use needed = (target − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight, with the weight as a decimal. The calculator does it for you.
What if the score needed is over 100%?
Then the target is out of reach with the final alone, unless your teacher offers extra credit.
What is the weight of the final?
The share of your course grade that the final exam counts for, usually listed in the syllabus.
What if I already have the grade I want?
If even a zero on the final would leave you at or above your target, the calculator shows that you already have it.
Can I use it for other exams?
Yes. It works for any assignment that makes up a known share of the grade, such as a midterm or a project.
Does it work with letter grades?
Enter percentages. Convert a letter grade to the percentage your teacher uses for it.
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Actual figures from a bank, employer, tax authority or doctor may differ. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice.