Final Grade Calculator
What score do you need on the final exam to reach your target grade?
- Points already secured45.0
- Score needed on the final (%)87.5
Inputs used
- Current grade75 %
- Final exam weight40 %
- Grade you want80 %
About this calculator
Your course grade is a weighted average: the work you've already done counts for part of it, and the final exam counts for the rest. If your current grade is 75% and the final is worth 40%, your existing work contributes 75 × 0.6 = 45 points — so reaching an 80% overall needs (80 − 45) ÷ 0.4 = 87.5% on the final.
A result over 100% means the target isn't reachable with this final weight — pick a lower target to see what is. A result at or below zero means you've already secured the target even with a blank exam (check the syllabus's rules before celebrating).
Enter the current grade as it stands across all non-final work, and the weight as the final's share of the total course grade.
Quick reference
Final score needed to reach 90% overall
Score required on the final to finish at 90%, by current grade (row) and the final's weight (column). Values above 100 mean 90% is out of reach at that weight.
| Current grade | 10% | 20% | 25% | 30% | 40% | 50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 450.0 | 250.0 | 210.0 | 183.3 | 150.0 | 130.0 |
| 60% | 360.0 | 210.0 | 180.0 | 160.0 | 135.0 | 120.0 |
| 70% | 270.0 | 170.0 | 150.0 | 136.7 | 120.0 | 110.0 |
| 75% | 225.0 | 150.0 | 135.0 | 125.0 | 112.5 | 105.0 |
| 80% | 180.0 | 130.0 | 120.0 | 113.3 | 105.0 | 100.0 |
| 85% | 135.0 | 110.0 | 105.0 | 101.7 | 97.5 | 95.0 |
| 90% | 90.0 | 90.0 | 90.0 | 90.0 | 90.0 | 90.0 |
Final score needed to reach 70% overall
Score required on the final to finish at 70%, by current grade (row) and the final's weight (column). A value at or below zero means 70% is already secured.
| Current grade | 10% | 20% | 25% | 30% | 40% | 50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 250.0 | 150.0 | 130.0 | 116.7 | 100.0 | 90.0 |
| 60% | 160.0 | 110.0 | 100.0 | 93.3 | 85.0 | 80.0 |
| 70% | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 |
| 75% | 25.0 | 50.0 | 55.0 | 58.3 | 62.5 | 65.0 |
| 80% | -20.0 | 30.0 | 40.0 | 46.7 | 55.0 | 60.0 |
| 85% | -65.0 | 10.0 | 25.0 | 35.0 | 47.5 | 55.0 |
| 90% | -110.0 | -10.0 | 10.0 | 23.3 | 40.0 | 50.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need on my final to get a 90 in the class?
Multiply your current grade by one minus the final's weight to see the points already secured, then work out the rest. With a 75% current grade and a final worth 40%, your existing work contributes 45 points, so you'd need (90 − 45) ÷ 0.4 = 112.5% — meaning a 90 isn't reachable at that weight.
What does a needed score over 100% mean?
It means the target is out of reach with the current final weight, because even a perfect final can't lift your average that far. Lower the target grade to find one you can actually hit.
Can I still pass if I fail the final?
It depends on your current grade and the final's weight. If your existing work already exceeds the passing mark by more than the final can pull it down, you're safe — a needed score at or below zero means even a blank exam clears the target.
How is a final course grade weighted?
Your prior work and the final each count for a share of the total. If the final is worth 40%, your other work is worth 60%, and the course grade is 0.6 × (current grade) + 0.4 × (final score).
Embed this calculator on your site
Paste this HTML where you want the calculator to appear. It stays free, works on any site, and updates automatically. Adjust the height to taste.
Results are informational only — not financial, medical or legal advice.