The final grade formula
The score you need on the final is: needed = (goal − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight. Your current grade already "locks in" everything except the final, and the final's weight decides how much one exam can still move your average.
How to use this calculator
Enter your current grade, the weight of the final exam (find it on your syllabus), and the course grade you're aiming for. The result is the percentage you must earn on the final. If it's above 100%, your goal isn't reachable with this exam alone; if it's below 0%, you've already secured it. For the whole term including the exam, use the semester grade calculator.
Worked example
Current grade 85%, final worth 30%, goal 90%: needed = (90 − 85×0.70) ÷ 0.30 = 101.7%. That's just over 100, so an A- (90) is barely out of reach — aim for 100 and check the grade calculator to confirm your current standing. Turn the result into a percentage with the grade percentage calculator.
Frequently asked questions
- What grade do I need on my final?
- Use needed = (goal − current × (1 − final weight)) ÷ final weight. Enter your numbers above and the calculator solves it instantly.
- What if the score needed is over 100%?
- Your target grade can't be reached with the final alone. Score as high as you can and consider extra credit or talking to your instructor.
- What if it's negative?
- A negative result means you've already locked in your goal — even a 0 on the final keeps you at or above your target.
- Where do I find the final's weight?
- It's on the course syllabus, usually as a percentage of the overall grade (for example, 'Final exam: 30%').
- What if the final replaces my lowest test score?
- Then this formula understates the exam's value. Recalculate your current grade with the low score already swapped for a hypothetical final result, then run the numbers again and use the friendlier of the two answers.