The formula behind the calculator
Your overall grade in a course is a weighted average. If the final exam counts for a share w of the course (as a fraction), everything before it counts for 1 − w. The overall grade is therefore current × (1 − w) + final × w. To reach a target grade you solve for the final score: final = (target − current × (1 − w)) ÷ w. For a current grade of 82%, a final worth 30% and a target of 85%, the required score is (85 − 82 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = 101.7%. That tells you immediately that the target is out of reach without extra credit, which is useful to know before you start revising.
How to read the results
- A normal percentage: this is the score you need on the final to finish with your target.
- Above 100%: the target cannot be reached unless your instructor offers extra credit. Try a lower target.
- Zero or below: you have already secured that grade, even if you scored nothing on the final.
The tool also lists what you would need for 90%, 80%, 70% and 60% overall, so you can see the whole range at a glance.
Check the inputs first
Use the grade your instructor currently reports, not your own estimate. If your course drops the lowest assignment, uses categories with different weights or curves the final scores, the single-weight formula is only an approximation. Make sure the weight is the percentage of the whole course that the final exam is worth, found in the syllabus. If you have several remaining assessments, add their weights together and treat them as one block, assuming you score the same on each.
Planning your revision
If the number you need is high, look at where the marks are. A final worth 30% moves your overall grade by 0.3 points for each point you score. A single percentage point of improvement on a large exam is worth more than the same improvement on a minor quiz. Use the result to set a realistic study target, and speak to your teacher about extra credit or resubmission options if the goal is out of reach.
Privacy
Your grades are processed in your browser and never uploaded.