Final Grade Needed Calculator
Find out exactly what score you need on your final exam to reach your target grade. Enter your current class grade, the weight of the final, and the grade you want.
Quick Reference — What You Need for Each Letter Grade
| Target Grade | Minimum % | Final Exam Score Needed | Feasibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter your current grade and final weight to see the reference table | |||
Adjust the values below to explore different scenarios. What if your current grade was higher? What if the final counts more?
| Grade | Percentage | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97 – 100 | 4.0 |
| A | 93 – 96 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90 – 92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87 – 89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83 – 86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80 – 82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77 – 79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73 – 76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70 – 72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67 – 69 | 1.3 |
| D | 63 – 66 | 1.0 |
| D- | 60 – 62 | 0.7 |
| F | 0 – 59 | 0.0 |
How to Calculate the Final Exam Grade You Need
Wondering "what grade do I need on my final?" You are not alone. This is one of the most common questions students ask as finals week approaches. Our free Final Grade Needed Calculator answers it instantly. Enter three values — your current class grade, how much the final exam is worth, and the grade you want to finish with — and the calculator tells you exactly what you need to score on the final.
The Formula Behind the Calculator
The calculation is based on the weighted average formula. Your overall class grade is a weighted combination of your coursework grade and your final exam grade:
Overall Grade = (Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) + (Final Exam Grade × Final Weight)
To find the grade you need on the final, we rearrange the formula:
Needed Final Grade = (Desired Grade − Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight
For example, suppose your current grade is 82%, the final is worth 25% of your total grade, and you want a B (80%) or above. Plugging in: (80 − 82 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = (80 − 61.5) ÷ 0.25 = 74%. You would need at least a 74% on the final to earn a B in the class.
What If I Need More Than 100%?
If the calculator tells you that you need more than 100%, it means your desired grade is not achievable through the final exam alone. This typically happens when your current grade is too far below your target and the final does not count for enough to close the gap. In this situation, you might consider talking to your instructor about extra credit, adjusting your target grade, or focusing your efforts on earning the highest grade that is still within reach.
Tips for Using This Calculator
Check your syllabus for the exact weight of the final exam. Common weights are 20%, 25%, 30%, or 40%. Use the quick reference table to see at a glance what you need for each letter grade. Try the "What If?" scenarios to explore how different current grades or final weights change the outcome. This helps you set realistic goals and prioritize your study time where it matters most.
Why Your Final Exam Weight Matters
The weight of the final exam dramatically affects how much it can change your grade. If the final is worth 40%, a perfect score can significantly boost your grade. But if it is only 15%, even a perfect 100% on the final cannot raise your grade by more than a few percentage points. Understanding this relationship helps you make realistic plans and avoid unnecessary stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate what grade I need on my final exam?
Use the formula: Needed = (Desired Grade − Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight. Or simply enter your numbers into the calculator above for instant results. You need three pieces of information: your current class grade (before the final), how much the final counts as a percentage of your total grade, and the overall grade you want to achieve.
What if I need more than 100% on my final exam?
If the required score exceeds 100%, your target grade cannot be reached through the final exam alone. Consider lowering your target grade, asking about extra credit opportunities, or confirming that your current grade and final weight are entered correctly. Sometimes students miscalculate their current grade by including the final exam weight in their coursework average.
How much does the final exam usually count?
Final exam weights vary widely. In many college courses, finals count between 20% and 40%. Some cumulative finals are worth up to 50%. High school finals often count for 10% to 20%. Always check your course syllabus for the exact weight, as this number has a major impact on the grade you need.
Does this work for weighted grading systems?
Yes. This calculator is specifically designed for weighted grading. Your "current grade" represents your weighted average on all coursework excluding the final. The "final weight" is the percentage the final contributes to your overall grade. The formula handles the weighting math automatically.
Is my data private?
Absolutely. This calculator runs entirely in your web browser. No data is uploaded, no accounts are required, and no cookies are used for tracking. Your grades and academic information never leave your device.