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Final Grade Calculator: What Do I Need on My Final?

Enter your current grade, how much the final exam is worth and the grade you want. You get the exact score you need on the final, whether that is realistic, and what every possible final score would leave you with.

How is your course graded?

Your average on everything before the final

Final exam weight

Target grade as
Waiting for numbers

—%

Enter your current grade, the final's weight and your target to see the score you need.

Nothing you type leaves your device.

The final grade formula

Score needed on final = (Target grade − Current grade × (1 − Final weight)) ÷ Final weight

With an 82% current grade, a final worth 30% and a target of 85%: (85 − 82 × 0.7) ÷ 0.3 = (85 − 57.4) ÷ 0.3 = 92%. Weights are used as decimals (30% = 0.3). If the answer is above 100%, the target is out of reach; if it is at or below 0%, you have already secured it.

Examples

  • Pass the course: 55% current, final worth 40%, need 60% overall: (60 − 55 × 0.6) ÷ 0.4 = 67.5% on the final.
  • Keep an A: 94% current, final worth 20%, want 90%: (90 − 94 × 0.8) ÷ 0.2 = 74%. You have room to spare.
  • Unreachable: 70% current, final worth 25%, want 85%: (85 − 52.5) ÷ 0.25 = 130%. Even a perfect final gives 77.5%.

If your course uses points

Points needed on final = Target % × (Points possible so far + Final points) ÷ 100 − Points earned so far

420 earned of 500 so far, a 200-point final and an 85% target: 0.85 × 700 − 420 = 175 points, or 87.5% on the final. Switch to Points mode in the calculator for this form.

How to find the final’s weight

It is in the syllabus, usually as a percentage. If only points are listed, the weight is final points ÷ total course points. If your course drops a low score or replaces a midterm with the final, your current grade should be computed after those rules; the grade calculator can produce it.

Common mistakes

  • Using the final’s weight as a percentage without converting: 30 instead of 0.3 in the formula gives nonsense. The calculator handles this for you.
  • Entering an unweighted current grade when categories have different weights.
  • Targeting the letter’s midpoint: you only need the minimum percentage for the letter, which the letter picker fills in.

Common questions

What do I need on my final to get an A?

Choose A from the letter picker (90% on the default scale) and read the result. For a different cut-off, type the percentage your syllabus specifies.

Can I still pass if I fail the final?

Look at the “if you score 0” figure. If it is above the pass mark, yes.

How many hours should I study for the score I need?

Plan the time with the study time calculator once you know how far you are from the mark.