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Final Grade Calculator – What Do I Need on My Final?

Enter your current grade, final exam weight, and target grade to calculate the score you need on your final exam.

Enter your grades and calculate to see results.

How It Works

This calculator helps you quickly determine what score you need on your final exam based on your current performance and grading weights. Most classes calculate your final grade by combining your current grade (homework, quizzes, midterms) with your final exam score, weighted by percentages.

Example

Scenario: You want to know if you can still get an A in your class.

  • Your current grade is 82%
  • Your final exam is worth 40% of your grade
  • You want a final grade of 90%

→ You need to score at least 98% on the final exam.

This calculator handles all the math instantly, so you can focus on planning your study time and making informed decisions about your coursework.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a final grade calculator?

A final grade calculator is an online tool that helps you determine what score you need on your final exam to achieve your target grade. It's especially useful when you want to know if you can still reach a specific grade (like an A or B) before finals week.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator uses the standard weighted grade calculation method used by most schools and universities. The accuracy depends on entering your correct current grade and final exam weight from your syllabus. Always double-check your current grade in your online gradebook or with your professor.

Can I use this for college courses?

Yes! This calculator works for both high school and college courses. Whether you're calculating what you need for a pass/fail class or trying to maintain your GPA, the calculation method is the same. Just make sure you know your current grade percentage and how much your final exam is worth.

What if my final is worth more than 50%?

This calculator works for any final exam weight, including finals worth 50% or more. However, if your final is worth a very large percentage (like 60% or 70%), small changes in your final exam score will have a bigger impact on your overall grade. Make sure to enter the exact weight from your syllabus.

Can this calculate pass/fail grades?

Yes! If you need to know what score you need to pass (usually 60% or 70%, depending on your school), just enter that as your target grade. The calculator will tell you the minimum score needed on your final exam to achieve a passing grade.

I already took my final. Can I calculate my overall grade?

Yes! Use the "I took the final" tab to calculate your overall grade after you've completed your final exam. Enter your grade before the final, your score on the final, and the final's weight to see your final class grade.

Planning Your Finals Strategy

Knowing what you need on your final exam helps you make smart decisions about how to spend your study time. Here are some practical tips:

  • Prioritize strategically: Calculate what you need for each class. If you only need a 50% in one class but a 95% in another, focus your study time accordingly. Don't waste time on classes where you're already guaranteed your target grade.
  • Verify your current grade: Check your online gradebook or ask your professor for your accurate current grade. Small errors here can lead to big miscalculations in what you need.
  • Check your syllabus: Make sure you know the exact weight of your final exam. Sometimes finals are split into multiple parts or combined with projects, so verify the percentage before calculating.
  • Plan early: Calculate your required scores well before finals week. This helps you reduce stress, plan your study schedule, and make informed decisions about whether you need to seek extra credit or adjust your expectations.
  • Consider your options: If you're borderline (like 89.5%), asking your professor about extra credit opportunities before the final is often more effective than after. Many professors appreciate students who show initiative.

Complex Grading Situations

This calculator works best for standard weighted grade systems. If your class has:

  • More assignments or tests before the final
  • A final that counts as part of a test category
  • Dropped lowest grades
  • Makeup assignments or test retakes
  • Extra credit that affects your current grade

You may need to manually adjust your current grade to account for these factors, or consult with your professor about how they affect your final grade calculation.