Grade Needed for Final Calculator
From the syllabus, e.g. 20–40%
You need on the final
108.0%
Out of reach without extra credit: you would need 108.0%.
(90 − 84 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = 108.00
Score needed for each letter grade
| A (90%+) | 108.0% (out of reach) |
|---|---|
| B (80%+) | 68.0% |
| C (70%+) | 28.0% |
| D (60%+) | Already secured |
Final exam scores and their course result: 100% → 88.0%, 70% → 80.5%, 0% → 63.0%. Uses a 90/80/70/60 scale and assumes your current grade covers everything except the final.
Find the score you need on a final exam to reach a target grade in a course, from your current grade and the final's weight, plus the score needed for each letter grade and what different final scores would leave you with.
Formula
Worked Example
The 75% of the course already done contributes 84 × 0.75 = 63 points. To finish at 80 you need 17 more from the final, which is worth 25 points: 17 ÷ 0.25 = 68%. An A (90%) would need 108%, out of reach without extra credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final?
Subtract your current grade times the share of the course already graded from the grade you want, then divide by the final's weight. With an 84% so far, a final worth 25% and a target of 80%: (80 − 84 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = 68%.
What if the final replaces my lowest test score or the categories are weighted?
Then the simple formula doesn't apply. Work out your current grade from the syllabus's category weights first, and for a replacement policy recalculate the grade with the final substituted for the dropped score.
What does a needed score above 100% mean?
That the target can't be reached through the final alone. Look for extra credit, a curve or a grade-replacement policy, or set the target to the next letter grade to see what is still within reach.