How to use the Final Grade Calculator
Enter the current grade, final exam weight and grade you want and the result appears straight away. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you type is uploaded.
From target grade to final exam grade
The calculation works backwards from your desired grade. If your class grades so far average 82 and the final exam is worth 30%, those grades make up 70% of the course. To finish with a target grade of 85, you need (85 − 82 × 0.7) ÷ 0.3 = 92 on the final. If the answer is above 100, the target is out of reach without extra credit, so aim for the next letter grade down.
Letter grades and weighted averages
Many schools in the US use 90 for an A, 80 for a B and 70 for a C, but cut-offs vary, and some add plus and minus grades. Check your syllabus for the exact boundaries and for how weighted averages are calculated in your course. If assignments are grouped into categories, enter your current grade as the weighted average of those categories.
The formula
Needed = (target − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight
Examples
- Current 82%, final worth 30%, target 85%
Score needed on the final: 92.00% Achievable with a score at or above this.
- Current 90%, final worth 20%, target 90%
Score needed on the final: 90.00% Achievable with a score at or above this.
- Current 70%, final worth 40%, target 80%
Score needed on the final: 95.00% Achievable with a score at or above this.
Limitations and assumptions
Assumes the final and the rest of the course are weighted as entered.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula?
Needed score = (target − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight, with weight as a decimal.
What if the result is over 100%?
The target is out of reach on the final alone unless extra credit exists.
Does the final weight include other assignments?
Enter the percentage of the total grade that the final alone represents.
How do I see my current weighted grade?
Use the grade calculator.