Final Grade Calculator

Find out what you need to score on your final exam to get the class grade you want. Enter your current grade, your target and how much the final is worth.

How much the final counts toward your overall grade — check your syllabus.
You need on the final
94%
Challenging — you will need a top score
Current grade counts for
75% of the total
Highest possible grade (100% on final)
86.5% (B)
Grade if you score 0% on the final
61.5% (D−)
Your class grade for each final exam score
Final exam scoreClass gradeLetter
100%86.5%B
95%85.25%B
90%84%B
85%82.75%B−
80%81.5%B−
75%80.25%B−
70%79%C+
60%76.5%C
50%74%C
How it was calculated
  1. Points you already have: 82% × 0.75 = 61.5
  2. Points still needed: 85 − 61.5 = 23.5
  3. Divide by the final weight: 23.5 ÷ 0.25 = 94%

How to use the final grade calculator

  1. Enter your current grade in the class as a percentage. Your online gradebook usually shows it.
  2. Enter the overall grade you want — for example 90% for an A− or 80% for a B−.
  3. Enter the weight of the final exam, the share of your overall grade it counts for. Your syllabus lists it.
  4. See the score you need on the final, plus a table of the class grade you would get for each possible exam score.

Final grade formula

Score needed = (Target grade − Current grade × (1 − Final weight)) ÷ Final weight

Your current grade only counts for the part of the course that isn't the final. If the final is worth 25%, everything you have done so far counts for the other 75%.

Example

You have an 82% in the class, you want to finish with an 85%, and the final is worth 25%:

  1. Your current work is worth 82 × 0.75 = 61.5 points.
  2. You need 85 − 61.5 = 23.5 more points.
  3. Divide by the final's weight: 23.5 ÷ 0.25 = 94% on the final.

If the same final were worth 40%, you would need (85 − 82 × 0.6) ÷ 0.4 = 89.5% — a heavier final makes it easier to climb, but also easier to fall.

Common letter grade cutoffs

LetterPercentageLetterPercentage
A93–100%C+77–79%
A−90–92%C73–76%
B+87–89%C−70–72%
B83–86%D60–69%
B−80–82%FBelow 60%

Cutoffs vary by school and teacher, so check your syllabus. To see how your grades affect your grade point average, try the GPA calculator.

Tips if you need a high score

  • Start early. Spread your review over a week or two instead of one long night.
  • Focus on high-value topics your teacher emphasized in class and on past exams.
  • Practice with old tests under timed conditions.
  • Ask about extra credit or dropped scores if the math says your target is out of reach.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate what I need on my final?

Subtract your current grade multiplied by (1 − final weight) from your target grade, then divide by the final weight. For example, with an 82% current grade, an 85% target and a 25% final: (85 − 82 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = 94%.

What if I need more than 100% on my final?

Then your target grade is not reachable with the final alone. Check whether extra credit, dropped assignments or curves are available, or set a slightly lower target.

How much is my final exam worth?

Your syllabus usually lists the weight of each category. Finals commonly count for 15% to 40% of the overall grade.

Does this work if my class uses points instead of percentages?

Yes. Divide your points earned by the points possible so far to get your current percentage, and divide the final exam's points by the total course points to get its weight.

What grade do I get if I fail the final?

The table shows your class grade for each exam score. With a 0% on the final, your grade becomes your current grade multiplied by (1 − final weight).

Results are rounded for display. For academic or professional work, double-check critical calculations and follow the rounding rules your teacher, school or organization requires.

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