How to use it
- Type your current course grade: the percentage you have earned so far.
- Type the target course grade you want and the weight of the final exam from your syllabus.
- Read Score needed on the final. If Is the target possible? says not possible, the final alone cannot reach the target.
- Use the table to see the course grade for each final score, from 50 to 100.
How the score needed is calculated
A course grade is a weighted average. The final exam counts for a share w of the grade, and the rest of the course, such as homework, quizzes and midterms, counts for 1 − w. So the course grade is the current grade times (1 − w), plus the final score times w.
To reach the target, solve that equation for the final score. The result is the score you need on the final exam.
needed = (target − current × (1 − w)) ÷ w
current grade so far, in %
target course grade you want, in %
w weight of the final as a fraction (30% is 0.30)- A result of 0 or less means your grade so far already reaches the target.
- A result above 100 means the target cannot be reached with the final exam alone.
What this calculator does not include
- Extra credit, dropped grades or rules that let a final replace a low midterm. Check your syllabus, because such rules change the formula.
- Grades given as points. Turn them into a percentage first (points earned ÷ points possible × 100).
- Your school's rounding and letter-grade cut-offs. The calculator uses exact percentages.
Worked example: 78% now, 80% wanted, the final worth 30%
The rest of the course is 70% of the grade, so your 78% contributes 78 × 0.70 = 54.60 points. To finish with 80, the final must contribute the other 25.40 points.
Divide 25.40 by the final's weight, 0.30: the final needs to be 84.67%. With a final of 90%, the course grade would be 54.60 + 27.00 = 81.60%.
| Final exam score | Course grade |
|---|---|
| 50% | 69.60% |
| 70% | 75.60% |
| 90% | 81.60% |
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if the score needed is above 100%?
The target cannot be reached through the final exam alone. Check whether the course allows extra credit, whether a project or other part can still be improved, or talk to your instructor about the grade rules.
Can I use it when my teacher marks in points instead of percentages?
Yes. Turn your points into a percentage first (points earned ÷ points possible × 100). Use the weight of the final exam as your syllabus gives it, as a percentage.
Is the course grade in the table my letter grade?
No. The table shows a percentage. Your school's letter-grade scale decides which percentage gives an A, B or C, and those cut-offs differ between schools and courses.
What if my course has a final and also a project or several exams?
Add the marks of everything except the final into the current grade, using each part's weight, and use the weight of the final exam alone. The calculator treats the rest of the course as one current grade.
Does the calculator send my grades anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent to our server.
Sources
Figures and text last checked on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.