Final Grade Calculator: What You Need to Score on Your Final Exam

Wondering what score you need on your final exam to get the overall course grade you want? Our Final Grade Calculator helps you figure it out. Enter your current grade, your desired grade, and the weight of your final exam to see the minimum score you need to achieve your goal.

What Do I Need on My Final?

Find this in your course syllabus.

How to Calculate the Grade Needed on Your Final

The calculation for your required final exam score involves weighted averages. Your current grade makes up a portion of your final grade, and the final exam makes up the rest. The formula our calculator uses is:

Formula: Required Score = [ Desired Grade – ( (1 – Final Weight) × Current Grade ) ] / Final Weight

Example Calculation:

Let’s walk through an example:

  • Your Current Grade is 85%.
  • You want to achieve a Desired Grade of at least 80% (a B-).
  • Your Final Exam is worth 25% of your total grade.
  1. Convert percentages to decimals: Final Weight = 0.25.
  2. Calculate the weight of your current grade: 1 – 0.25 = 0.75 (or 75%).
  3. Calculate points from your current grade: 0.75 * 85 = 63.75.
  4. Determine the points you still need: 80 (desired grade) – 63.75 = 16.25. These points must come from the final exam.
  5. Calculate the required exam score: 16.25 (points needed) / 0.25 (exam weight) = 65%.

In this scenario, you would need to score at least a 65% on your final exam to get an 80% in the class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I find the weight of my final exam?

The weight of your final exam and other assignments should be clearly listed in your course syllabus. It’s usually found in a section titled “Grading,” “Assessment,” or “Course Requirements.” If you can’t find it, ask your teacher or professor directly.

What if my calculator says I need over 100%?

If the required score is over 100%, it means that even with a perfect score on the final, your desired grade is mathematically unreachable. This can be a valuable reality check, helping you adjust your goal to what is realistically achievable.

What if I have multiple assignments left, not just a final?

This calculator is designed for a single remaining assignment (the final). If you have multiple assignments left, you can group them. For example, if you have a final project worth 10% and a final exam worth 20%, you can treat them as a single “final” category worth 30%. You would then need to estimate your project score to see what you need on the exam.

How can I raise my grade before the final?

Focus on any remaining assignments, quizzes, or participation points. Even small improvements can raise your “Current Grade” before the final, making your target score easier to achieve. For long-term improvement, check out our guide on effective strategies to raise your GPA.