Free Student Tool

What Grade Do I Need on My Final?

Stop stressing. Enter your current grade and final exam weight to see exactly what score you need to hit your target grade.

Instant ResultsKnow what you need in seconds
What-If ScenariosSee outcomes for different scores

Before the final exam

How much the final counts

What you want to achieve

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The Math Behind the Calculator

Understanding the formula helps you verify results and do quick mental math during exam season.

The Equation

Needed = (Target − Current × (1 − Weight)) ÷ Weight

Weight is your final exam percentage as a decimal (30% = 0.30). Current is your grade before the final. Target is what you want to end with.

Worked Example

Current Grade

78%

Final Weight

30%

Target Grade

B (80%)

Needed = (80 − 78 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30
Needed = (80 − 54.6) ÷ 0.30
Needed = 25.4 ÷ 0.30
Needed = 84.7%

You need an 84.7% on your final to get a B in the class.

Common Final Exam Weights

15-20%Intro courses, light weighting
25-30%Most common for college courses
35-40%Heavy weighting, high stakes
50%+Some grad courses, comprehensive exams

Pro Tip

Check your syllabus or ask your professor if you are unsure about the final exam weight. Getting this number wrong changes everything.

Features

Everything you need to plan for finals week.

Instant Calculation

See exactly what you need on your final the moment you enter your grades.

Multiple Scenarios

View "What If" scenarios showing your final grade for different exam scores.

Letter & Percentage

Enter your target as a letter grade (A, B+, C) or specific percentage.

No Sign-up Required

Use the calculator instantly without creating an account.

Privacy First

Your grades stay in your browser. We never store your academic data.

High School & College

Works for any class with a weighted final exam component.

Strategies When You Need a High Final Score

Found out you need 85%+ on your final? Here is how to maximize your chances.

Focus on High-Weight Topics

Check your syllabus for which chapters are emphasized. Prioritize studying material worth the most points.

Review Past Exams

Professors often recycle question styles. If old exams are available, study the format and common topics.

Target Partial Credit

For math/science finals, showing work matters. Even wrong answers can earn 50-80% credit with good methodology.

Use Practice Problems

Active recall beats re-reading. Do practice problems until you can solve them without looking at notes.

Simulate Test Conditions

Take a timed practice test. This reduces anxiety and reveals what you actually know vs. think you know.

Visit Office Hours

Professors often hint at exam content. Ask what topics to prioritize—they want you to succeed.

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter Current Grade

Input your current grade percentage in the class before the final exam.

2

Set Final Weight

Enter how much your final exam counts toward your total grade (e.g., 20%, 30%).

3

Choose Target Grade

Select the letter grade or percentage you want to achieve in the course.

Calculate Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about calculating final exam grades.

Use this formula: Final Grade Needed = (Target Grade - Current Grade × (1 - Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight. For example, if you have 78%, want 80%, and your final is worth 30%: (80 - 78 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = 84.7%. Our calculator does this math instantly.
If you need more than 100% on your final, it means achieving your target grade is mathematically impossible with the final exam alone. Consider speaking with your professor about extra credit, or adjust your target grade to something achievable.
Check your course syllabus—it should list how much each component counts. Look for "Final Exam: X%" or a grading breakdown. Common weights are 20%, 25%, 30%, or 40%. If you cannot find it, ask your professor or TA.
This calculator assumes your "current grade" is your weighted average so far. If your class uses categories (homework, quizzes, midterms), first calculate your current weighted average, then use that number here.
A GPA calculator tells you what your GPA IS after grades are final. This Final Grade Calculator tells you what you NEED to score on an upcoming exam to achieve a target grade. Use this before finals, use GPA calculator after.
The calculation is mathematically exact given your inputs. However, your actual grade depends on accurate input data. Double-check your current grade percentage and final exam weight from your syllabus or grade portal.
Yes! This works for any exam that is weighted as part of your final grade. Just enter your current grade before that exam, the exam weight, and your target—whether it is a midterm, final, or any other weighted assessment.
Convert to percentages first: (Your Points ÷ Total Possible Points) × 100. For example, if you have 450 out of 600 points, that is 75%. For the final weight, divide final exam points by total course points.

Need Help Before Your Final?

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