Grade Needed on Final Calculator
Find the exact score you need on the final exam to hit your target course grade, from your current grade and the final’s weight.
How it works
needed = (target − current × (1 − w)) ÷ w where w = final weight as a fraction
Your final course grade is the current grade counting for (1 − w) of the total plus the final exam counting for w. Rearranging to solve for the final score gives the formula above. If the result climbs over 100%, no exam score can reach your target at that weight; if it drops to zero or below, you have already locked the target in.
Worked example
Current grade 88%, final worth 20%, target 90%: needed = (90 − 88 × 0.80) ÷ 0.20 = (90 − 70.4) ÷ 0.20 = 19.6 ÷ 0.20 = 98%. You need a 98% on the final to finish at exactly 90%.
Frequently asked questions
What if the required score is above 100%?
It means the target is unreachable through the final alone at that weight. Look for extra credit or regrades on earlier work, or set your sights on the best grade still reachable — shown as the "if you ace it" line.
The result is negative — did I do something wrong?
No. A zero or negative required score means you have already earned enough that even a 0% final keeps you at or above the target. The calculator clamps the headline number to 0% since you cannot score less.
Does this work for a final project instead of an exam?
Yes. The math only cares about the weight of the last remaining graded item, so a final project, presentation, or paper works the same as an exam.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.