What score do you need on the final exam?
Enter your grades — get the exact number. Free, no signup.
Formula: required = (target − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight
Your final grade is a weighted average: each part of the class (homework, quizzes, midterm, final exam) counts for a percentage of the total. If your final exam is worth 30% of your grade, then the other 70% is already locked in by your current average. The calculator solves one simple equation: what final exam score makes the weighted average equal your target grade?
Say you have an 85% going into the final, you want a 90% overall, and the final is worth 30%. Your current work contributes 85 × 0.70 = 59.5 points. You need 90 − 59.5 = 30.5 points from the final, which is worth 30 points total — so you'd need 30.5 ÷ 30 = 101.7%. Over 100% means it's mathematically impossible through the final alone; time to talk to your professor about extra credit.
Students who calculate their required score study more efficiently: if you need a 65%, focus on high-yield topics and don't burn out chasing perfection. If you need a 95%, start earlier and use active recall (practice tests beat re-reading notes every time, per decades of learning research). Either way, knowing the number removes the anxiety of the unknown.
Does this work for letter grades? Convert your letter to the percentage your school uses (often A = 90–100, B = 80–89), then enter the number.
What about curved classes? This calculator assumes straight percentages. If your professor curves, the required raw score may be lower — ask how the curve works.
Can I use decimals? Yes — enter 87.5 and any weight like 22.5 for precise results.
For planning purposes only. Always confirm weighting with your course syllabus.
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