Final Grade Calculator
Calculate the grade you need on your final exam to achieve your desired overall course grade. Enter your current grade, desired final grade, and exam weight to get the required exam score instantly. This calculator helps you set realistic targets and plan your study strategy. Informational only—verify with your instructor. Explore more tools on free calculators on CalculatorBolt.
Calculator
Additional Categories (Optional)
| Category Name | Grade | Weight (%) | Action |
|---|
Summary
How it works
The calculator uses a weighted average formula to determine your required final exam grade:
Required Final Grade = (Desired Grade - Current Grade × (100 - Exam Weight - Sum of Other Weights) / 100 - Sum of (Category Grade × Category Weight / 100)) / (Exam Weight / 100)
In simpler terms, we subtract the weighted contribution of your current grade and any additional categories from your desired final grade, then divide by the final exam's weight to find the score you need.
Inputs explained
- Grading Scale: Choose between Percentage (0-100), Letter grades (A-F), or GPA (0.0-4.0). The calculator converts all to percentage for calculation.
- Current Grade: Your grade in the course before taking the final exam.
- Desired Final Grade: The overall course grade you want to achieve.
- Final Exam Weight: What percentage of your final grade the exam is worth (e.g., 30% means the exam is 30% of your total grade).
- Additional Categories: Optional. Add other graded components like midterms, homework, or projects with their grades and weights.
Example
Scenario: You have an 85% in the class and want to finish with a 90%. The final exam is worth 30% of your grade.
Calculation:
- Current Grade: 85%
- Desired Grade: 90%
- Exam Weight: 30%
- Current grade contributes: 85 × 0.70 = 59.5%
- Desired total: 90%
- Needed from final: 90 - 59.5 = 30.5%
- Required final grade: 30.5 / 0.30 = 101.67%
This means you'd need to score above 100% (not achievable without extra credit) or adjust your target grade.
More realistic scenario: Current = 85%, Desired = 88%, Exam = 30%
- Current contributes: 85 × 0.70 = 59.5%
- Needed from final: 88 - 59.5 = 28.5%
- Required final grade: 28.5 / 0.30 = 95%
Tips & notes
- Verify weights: Make sure all category weights (including the final exam) add up to 100%.
- Use your instructor's scale: Different courses use different grading systems. Use the one your instructor specifies.
- Set realistic targets: If the required grade is over 100%, your goal may not be achievable. Consider adjusting your target or seeking extra credit.
- Plan ahead: Use this calculator early in the semester to understand what you need to achieve your goals.
- Negative results: If you get a negative or very low required grade, congratulations! You've already met or exceeded your target.
- Letter grade conversion: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=0-59 (standard). Your school may vary.
- GPA conversion: 4.0=A, 3.0=B, 2.0=C, 1.0=D, 0.0=F (standard 4.0 scale).
Common Scenarios
| Current Grade | Desired Grade | Exam Weight | Required Final Grade | Feasibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85% | 88% | 30% | 95% | Achievable |
| 75% | 80% | 40% | 92.5% | Achievable |
| 70% | 85% | 50% | 100% | Difficult |
| 65% | 80% | 25% | 125% | Not Achievable |
| 90% | 88% | 30% | 83.33% | Already Met |
FAQs
Disclaimer
Informational estimate only. Grading scales and weights may vary by course and institution. This calculator assumes a simple weighted average calculation and does not account for curved grades, extra credit, or other special policies. Always verify with your instructor for official grading policies and requirements.