How to use this final grade calculator
- 1
Enter your current grade in the class before the final. Your school portal usually shows this. See how to check your grades in PowerSchool or in Canvas, Infinite Campus and Google Classroom.
- 2
Enter the grade you want to finish the class with, for example 90% for an A- in the US.
- 3
Enter how much the final is worth. Check your syllabus: it is often 20% to 40% of the course grade.
- 4
Read the score you need on the final. The table shows what you need for every grade, so you can see your options at a glance.
Already taken the exam? Switch to I took the final and enter your final exam score to see your overall grade in the class.
The final grade formula
The score you need on the final is:
Needed = (Goal − Current × (1 − Weight)) ÷ Weight
Weight is the final's share of the course grade as a decimal, so 25% is 0.25. For example, with a current grade of 88%, a goal of 90% and a final worth 25%: (90 − 88 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = (90 − 66) ÷ 0.25 = 96%.
Once you have your final exam score, your overall grade is:
Overall = Current × (1 − Weight) + Final × Weight
With the same class and an 80% on the final: 88 × 0.75 + 80 × 0.25 = 66 + 20 = 86%.
Check these before you calculate
- 01
Your current grade should not include the final
Most school portals show your grade from the work graded so far, which is what this calculator needs.
- 02
Use the weight from your syllabus
If the final is worth 30% of the course, enter 30, not the number of points on the exam.
- 03
Some finals work differently
If your final replaces your lowest test score or counts as one of your tests, the math changes and this result will only be a guide. If your class is graded on a curve, the score shown is the most you need, since a curve can only help.
Who this calculator is for
Students
Use it in the last weeks of term to decide how much to study, check whether they can still pass, and see which grades are still in reach.
Parents
Use it to understand where their child stands before exams.
Tutors and advisors
Use it to set realistic targets with their students.
Frequently asked questions
Something else? Get in touch.
What do I need on my final to get an A?
Set the grade you want to your school's A cutoff (93% at many US colleges) and enter your current grade and the final's weight. The table also lists what you need for every grade, including an A, so you can read it straight off.
What if I need more than 100% on the final?
Then that grade is out of reach unless your final has extra credit. The calculator shows the highest grade you can still get if you score 100%, and the table marks the grades that are no longer possible.
What if I need 0% or less?
Your goal is already secured. Even if you score 0% on the final, your overall grade will still meet it. It is still worth taking the exam, since a zero can pull you below other targets.
How much is my final worth?
Your syllabus or course outline lists the weight of each part of the course. Finals are commonly worth 20% to 40%. If your class uses points, divide the points on the final by the total points in the course.
Does this work for UK and Indian universities?
Yes. The formula works for any percentage based grade. Switch the grading scale to UK or India to see the degree class or grade you would get. Our guide to grading scales by country explains each system.