About the Final Grade Calculator
Find out what you need to score on your final exam to finish the course with the grade you want. Enter your current grade, the grade you're aiming for and how much the final counts, and get the exact score to aim for.
A small table also shows what you'd need for other targets, and the page tells you plainly when a target is already safe or out of reach.
How it works
Your course grade is a weighted average: everything before the final counts for part of it and the final counts for the rest. If the final is worth 20%, your current grade counts for the other 80%. Working backwards from the target gives the score the final has to contribute.
The answer is rounded up, not to the nearest value, so scoring exactly the number shown always gets you to your target. If the result is above 100%, the target can't be reached without extra credit; if it's zero or below, you've already secured it.
needed = (target − current × (1 − w)) ÷ w w = final weight ÷ 100
Assumptions and limits
- Your current grade is the weighted grade for everything except the final, on the same percentage scale as the target.
- The final's weight is its share of the whole course grade. If your syllabus lists weights for each category, the final's share is the one to use.
- Some teachers round course grades (for example 89.5 up to 90); the calculator doesn't assume rounding.
Worked examples
Aiming for an A
With 85% so far and a final worth 20%, reaching 90% needs (90 − 85 × 0.8) ÷ 0.2 = 110% on the final, which isn't possible. Even 100% would give 88%.
Keeping a B
With 85% so far and a final worth 30%, a final course grade of 80% needs (80 − 59.5) ÷ 0.3 = 68.33…, shown as 68.34% so it's always enough.
Already safe
With 95% so far and a final worth 10%, even 0% on the final leaves you with 85.5%, so any target up to 85.5% is already secured.
How to use the Final Grade Calculator
- Enter your grade so far. Your current course percentage.
- Enter your target and the final's weight. Both as percentages.
- Read the score you need. Plus a table for other targets.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final?
Subtract your current grade times the weight of everything else from your target, then divide by the final's weight. With 85% so far, a 30% final and an 80% target: (80 − 85 × 0.7) ÷ 0.3 = 68.33%.
What does it mean if I need more than 100%?
The target can't be reached through the final alone, because even a perfect score leaves your course grade below it. Ask whether there's extra credit or another assessment that can still change your grade.
Where do I find my current grade and the final's weight?
The syllabus or course outline usually lists how much each part counts, and your learning platform's gradebook shows your current grade. If they disagree, ask your teacher which figure is used.
Why is the answer rounded up?
If you need 68.333…%, scoring 68.33% would leave you just below the target. Rounding up to 68.34% means that scoring exactly the number shown always reaches it.
Does it work for letter grades?
Use the percentage your school uses for the letter, such as 90% for an A on a common US scale. Scales differ between schools and countries, so check the cut-offs in your syllabus.
This tool runs entirely in your browser. What you enter or upload stays on your device and is never sent to our servers.