Grade Calculator
Find out what score you need on your final exam to achieve your desired course grade. Enter your current grade percentage, the weight of the final exam, and the grade you want.
How Grade Calculator works
The final exam grade formula
The calculation uses weighted averages. Your course grade is: Course Grade = (Current Grade × Course Weight) + (Final Exam Score × Exam Weight). Rearranging to solve for the needed final exam score: Needed Score = (Target Grade − Current Grade × Course Weight) ÷ Exam Weight. For example, with a current grade of 82%, a final worth 30%, and a target of 90%: Needed = (90 − 82 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = (90 − 57.4) ÷ 0.30 = 108.7%. In this case, the target is not achievable.
How course grades are weighted
Most courses divide the grade across several components: homework, quizzes, midterms, participation, and a final exam. The "current grade" is your weighted average across all components excluding the final. If the final exam is worth 30%, then all other work combined is worth 70%. Your current grade percentage represents your performance on that 70%.
Letter grade scale
This calculator uses the standard US letter grade scale: A = 93–100%, A- = 90–92%, B+ = 87–89%, B = 83–86%, B- = 80–82%, C+ = 77–79%, C = 73–76%, C- = 70–72%, D+ = 67–69%, D = 60–66%, F = below 60%. Individual institutions may use slightly different cutoffs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final?
Use the formula: Needed Score = (Target Grade − Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight. For example, if your current grade is 85%, the final is worth 25%, and you want a 90%: Needed = (90 − 85 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = (90 − 63.75) ÷ 0.25 = 105%. You would need over 100%, so a 90% course grade is not achievable in this scenario.
What if I need more than 100% on my final?
If the calculator shows you need more than 100%, your target grade is not achievable with the final exam alone. You may need to adjust your target downward or check if there are extra credit opportunities available. Consider what the next achievable letter grade threshold is.
How much does the final exam usually count?
Final exam weights vary by course and institution. Common weights are 20–40% for undergraduate courses. Some courses make the final comprehensive and weight it at 30–50%. Graduate courses may weight the final at 40–60%. Check your syllabus for the exact weighting.
What grade do I need to pass?
Most courses require a D (60%) or C (73%) to pass. Some programmes or prerequisite courses require a C or higher. Graduate programmes typically require a B (83%) or higher. Courses taken pass/fail usually need a C or D minimum depending on the institution.
Does this work for weighted category grades?
Yes, as long as you know your current overall percentage and the final exam weight. If your course uses category weighting (e.g. homework 20%, quizzes 15%, midterms 35%, final 30%), calculate your current percentage across the non-final categories first, then enter that as your current grade with 30% as the final weight.
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