Final Grade Calculator

Find the score you need on your final exam to reach the grade you want.

How the final grade is calculated

Your class grade is a weighted average: current grade × (1 − weight) + final exam score × weight. Solving for the final exam score gives:

Needed score = (desired grade − current grade × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight

Use the weight as a decimal in the formula, so a final worth 30% is 0.30. Your current grade should be the grade on everything except the final.

Worked examples

• Current 88%, want 85%, final worth 25%: (85 − 88 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = 76%.
• Current 78%, want 80%, final worth 20%: (80 − 78 × 0.80) ÷ 0.20 = 88%.
• Current 85%, want 90%, final worth 30%: (90 − 85 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = 101.67%. More than 100% means the goal is out of reach without extra credit.

Frequently asked questions

What if the result is over 100%?

It means you cannot reach that grade by scoring 100% on the final. Lower your target, or check whether extra credit is available.

What if the result is 0% or negative?

You already have enough points for that grade. Even a very low final score would not drop you below it, unless your teacher has other requirements.

What is the final exam weight?

It is the share of your class grade that the final exam counts for, such as 20%, 25% or 30%. It is usually listed in the syllabus.

Is this the same as a GPA?

No. This calculates one class grade. To combine several classes, use the GPA calculator.