How It Works

Your final exam grade needed depends on three simple numbers: what you have now, what the final is worth, and what you want to achieve. The calculation follows a straightforward formula that every student should understand.

Think of it this way: your current grade contributes to only part of your final course grade (the part not covered by the final exam). The final exam makes up the rest. To reach your target, the combination of these two parts must equal your desired course grade.

For example: if you have 75% currently and the final is worth 30% of your grade, your current work contributes 75% of 70% (which is 52.5% toward your final grade). To reach an 80% target, your final exam needs to contribute the remaining 27.5% from its 30% weight, which requires a 91.7% on the final.

The calculator does this math instantly. You adjust your current grade, final weight, and target, and it shows exactly what you need on that last exam. No guesswork, no confusion, just clear numbers to guide your study plan.

Common Questions About Final Grades

What if I need more than 100% on the final?

If the calculator shows you need over 100% to reach your target, that means your current grade is too low for that target given the final exam weight. You have two options: adjust your target grade downward, or focus on maximizing your current grade before the final if there are still assignments due. Sometimes aiming for a B instead of an A is the realistic choice.

Do different grading scales affect the calculation?

The calculation works the same regardless of whether your school uses percentages, letter grades, or a 4.0 scale. Just convert everything to percentages first. An A might be 90-100% at your school, while elsewhere it might be 93-100%. Use your school’s specific cutoffs for the most accurate calculation.

What if my final is pass/fail?

Pass/fail finals typically require a minimum score (often 60% or 70%) to pass. In this case, calculate what you need to pass the course overall, not necessarily to achieve a specific letter grade. The calculation still works: just set your target to the minimum passing grade for the course.

How do extra credit or dropped assignments affect this?

Extra credit increases your current grade percentage, making your required final exam grade lower. Dropped assignments (where your lowest score is excluded) effectively raise your current average too. When using this calculator, use your current grade including any extra credit and after any dropped assignments.

What’s a realistic target for final exam preparation?

Most students can realistically improve their exam performance by 10-15 percentage points with focused study. If you’re currently scoring 70% on exams, aiming for 85% on the final is ambitious but possible with proper preparation. Needing 95% when you’ve been getting 65% might indicate you should adjust your course grade expectations.

Common Final Grade Scenarios