CalculatorsConvertersDeveloperTextAll toolsDirectory
Submit your tool Sign in
Theme
Home/Answers/Education
How-to

How do I figure out what score I need on my final exam to get the grade I want?

Short answer

Use the formula: needed score = (target grade minus current grade x (1 minus final weight)) divided by final weight, with the weight as a decimal. For example, with an 78 average, a final worth 40 percent, and a target of 80, you need (80 - 78 x 0.6) / 0.4 = 83 on the final. A free final grade calculator solves this instantly in your browser.

How the math works

Your course grade is a weighted average: current work counts for (1 minus the final weight) and the exam counts for the weight itself. Setting that average equal to your target and solving for the exam score gives the formula above. With a 78 average and a final worth 40 percent, every course point you want above 78 costs 2.5 points on the exam, because the final is only 40 percent of the total.

When the answer comes back above 100

If the formula returns more than 100, the target is not reachable with that exam weight, and it is better to know before you study. You can rerun the numbers against a lower target, or check whether extra credit or dropped assignments change your current average.

Find the weight first

The one input people get wrong is the exam weight. It is in the syllabus grading breakdown, for example final exam 30 percent. If your course uses points instead of percentages, divide the exam points by the total course points to get the weight.

Step by step

  1. Enter your current grade. Type your average on all work so far, as a percentage.
  2. Enter the final exam weight. Take the weight from the syllabus, for example 40 for a final worth 40 percent.
  3. Enter your target grade. Type the overall course grade you want to end with.
  4. Read the required score. The calculator shows the exam score you need, all computed in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

What if the required score is over 100?

The target grade is not mathematically reachable with that exam weight. Lower the target or check for extra credit options.

Does this work for pass marks too?

Yes. Set the target to the passing grade, for example 60, and the calculator shows the minimum final score to pass.

Where do I find the exam weight?

In the syllabus grading policy. If the course uses points, divide the exam points by total course points.

Related answers