Final Exam Calculator
Final exam calculator
Enter your current grade, the final's weight and the grade you want.
Score needed = (desired grade − current grade × (100 − final weight) ÷ 100) ÷ (final weight ÷ 100). If the answer is over 100, the goal is out of reach without extra credit.
Worked example
You have an 84% going into a final worth 25% of the course, and you want a 90% overall.
- Current grade counts for 75%: 84 × 0.75 = 63.0 points
- Points still needed: 90 − 63.0 = 27.0
- Score on the final: 27.0 ÷ 0.25 = 108%, which is not possible without extra credit
For an 80% instead: (80 − 63.0) ÷ 0.25 = 68%.
Final needed for a few combinations (final worth 25%)
| Current grade | To get A (90%) | To get B (80%) | To get C (70%) | To get Pass (60%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70% | Not possible | Not possible | 70.0% | 30.0% |
| 80% | Not possible | 80.0% | 40.0% | Secured |
| 90% | 90.0% | 50.0% | 10.0% | Secured |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final?
Take your goal, subtract the part of your grade already earned (current grade × the share of the course not covered by the final), then divide by the final's weight.
What if the score needed is over 100%?
Then the goal cannot be reached unless your teacher offers extra credit. Aim for the next grade down.
What if I do not know the final's weight?
Check the syllabus. Finals are often 10% to 30% of the grade. Try a few weights to see how much it matters.
Does this work for a midterm or any big assignment?
Yes. Enter the assignment's weight in place of the final's weight and your grade on everything else as the current grade.
Do I need a 60 to pass?
Pass cutoffs differ by class and school. The table shows 60% as 'Pass (D)', but you can type your own cutoff as the grade you want.
Can I drop my lowest score or use categories?
Use the grade calculator for weighted categories and dropped scores, then come back here for the final.