What grade do I need on my final exam?
Your final course grade is a weighted average of everything that is graded: homework, quizzes, labs, midterms and the final exam, each with its own weight in the syllabus. To find out what you need on what is left:
- Add up the points you already have: each grade × its weight / 100.
- Subtract that from the grade you want. The difference has to come from the items still to come.
- Divide that difference by the weight that is still pending.
Needed = (target − current points) / pending weight
Example · final exam worth 40%
Homework (20%): 85. Midterm (40%): 72. Final exam (40%): still to come. You have 85 × 0.20 + 72 × 0.40 = 17 + 28.8 = 45.8 points. To finish with an 80 you need 80 − 45.8 = 34.2 more points from a 40% exam: 34.2 / 0.40 = 85.5 on the final. To pass with a 60, you would need (60 − 45.8) / 0.40 = 35.5.
The calculator also shows a table with what you need for every target, from just passing to the top grades, and warns you when a target is already secured or out of reach.
Frequently asked questions
What if my weights do not add up to 100%?
Check the syllabus: usually an item is missing or counted twice. Some courses drop the lowest quiz or use points instead of percentages; convert them to percentages of the total first.
My course requires a minimum score on the final. Does it count?
Yes. Fill in «Minimum required on the exam» and the calculator will tell you which is higher: the grade you need for your target or the minimum the course demands.
Does it work with letter grades or GPA?
Enter the percentages behind the letters (for example, 90 for an A−). Choose your country's scale or «Other scale» if your school grades out of 10, 20 or 4. To average several courses, use the grade calculator.