How to use the final grade calculator
- 1 Enter your current grade in the class as a percentage.
- 2 Enter how much the final exam is worth (for example 20% or 25%).
- 3 Enter the grade you want in the course.
- 4 Optionally enter the score you expect on the final, then read the result.
Worked example
A current grade of 82%, a final worth 25% and a target of 85%. You need (85 − 82 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = 94% on the final. An A (90%) would need 114%, which is out of reach, a B needs 74%, and a D is already secured. Your course grade will land between 61.5% and 86.5%.
Planning for your final
- Check the weight of the final in your syllabus.
- Use your real current grade from the gradebook, including weighted categories.
- Set a realistic target if the score needed is over 100%.
- Ask about extra credit or curves before the exam.
See your GPA with the GPA Calculator, turn points into a percentage with the Percentage Calculator, and count down to the exam with the Date Difference Calculator.
Features
Exact score needed
The percentage you need on the final for your target.
A, B, C and D
The score needed for each letter grade at once.
What-if result
Your course grade if you score a given amount.
When to use it
Before finals week
Know which exams need the most study time. Count the days with the Date Difference Calculator.
College classes
See how one final changes your term, then your GPA with the GPA Calculator.
Setting realistic goals
Find out if an A is still possible before you plan.
Percent grades
Work out a test percentage first with the Percentage Calculator.
Related Student and Education tasks
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final?
Use: needed = (wanted grade − current grade × (1 − final weight)) ÷ final weight. With 82% now, a final worth 25% and a target of 85%, you need (85 − 61.5) ÷ 0.25 = 94%.
What if the score I need is over 100%?
Then the target is out of reach on the final alone, unless the class offers extra credit or a curve. The calculator shows the highest course grade you can still get.
What if the score I need is zero or negative?
You have already secured that grade: even a zero on the final keeps you there. Still take the exam seriously, because many classes require you to sit it to pass.
How much is a final exam usually worth?
Commonly 10% to 30% of the course grade in high school and 20% to 40% in college. Check your syllabus.
What is my current grade?
Your grade in the class before the final, as a percentage. Most online gradebooks show it. If categories are weighted, use the overall percentage, not one category.
Does this work for weighted categories?
Yes, as long as your current grade already includes the other weighted categories and the final is its own weight.
What percentage is an A, B or C?
On the common US scale, 90% and above is an A, 80% a B, 70% a C and 60% a D. Some schools use 93% for an A or add plus and minus grades.
Can I use points instead of percentages?
Convert to percentages first: points earned ÷ points possible × 100. The Percentage Calculator can help.
How does the final affect my semester grade?
Your semester grade is your current grade times (1 − final weight) plus your final score times the final weight. Enter an expected score to see the result.
Is this the same as a semester grade calculator?
Yes. It works out your semester or term grade from your grade before the final and your final exam score.
How can I raise my grade before the final?
Hand in missing work, ask about extra credit, and focus study time on the topics with the most marks.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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