Grade Calculator

Score Needed on the Final

95%

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How This Calculator Works

The grade needed on a final exam is the minimum score required to reach a target overall grade, given the exam’s weight and the grade you already have. Enter your current grade, how much the final exam counts toward your overall grade, and the grade you’re aiming for, and this calculator tells you that minimum score — including flagging when a target is already locked in, or out of reach even with a perfect score.

The Formula

Your overall grade is a weighted average of your current grade and your final exam score:

Desired Grade=Current Grade×(1Final Weight)+Final Score×Final Weight\vD{\text{Desired Grade}} = \vA{\text{Current Grade}} \times (1 - \vB{\text{Final Weight}}) + \vC{\text{Final Score}} \times \vB{\text{Final Weight}}

Solving for the final score:

Final Score Needed=Desired GradeCurrent Grade×(1Final Weight)Final Weight\vC{\text{Final Score Needed}} = \frac{\vD{\text{Desired Grade}} - \vA{\text{Current Grade}} \times (1 - \vB{\text{Final Weight}})}{\vB{\text{Final Weight}}}

Worked Example

An 85% current grade, a final exam worth 20% of the overall grade, aiming for an 87% final grade:

  1. Your current grade’s contribution: 85%×(120%)=85%×0.8=68%\vA{85\%} \times (1 - \vB{20\%}) = \vA{85\%} \times 0.8 = \vE{68\%}.
  2. Final score needed: (87%68%)/20%=19%/20%=95%(\vD{87\%} - \vE{68\%}) / \vB{20\%} = 19\% / 20\% = \vC{95\%}.

You’d need a 95% on the final exam to bring your overall grade up to 87%.

Source: Wikipedia: Weighted Arithmetic Mean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the calculator says my target is impossible?

That means even a perfect 100% on the final wouldn't be enough to reach your target grade at the weight you entered — you'd need a higher grade going into the final, a less demanding target, or extra credit if your course offers it.

What if it says my grade is already guaranteed?

That means your target is already met or exceeded by your current grade's contribution alone, even if you scored a 0% on the final — though most students still want to do well on it regardless.

What does 'final exam weight' mean?

How much the final counts toward your overall course grade, as a percentage — check your syllabus for the exact figure, since it varies by course (commonly 15-30%, but sometimes much higher).