Find out what score you need on your final exam to reach the course grade you want, based on your current grade and how much the final is worth.
How the final grade formula works
Your course grade is a weighted average of the work you have done so far and your final exam:
Course grade = current grade × (1 − final weight) + final exam score × final weight
Rearranging it gives the score you need on the final:
Score needed = (target grade − current grade × (1 − final weight)) ÷ final weight
Worked example
Your current grade is 84% and the final exam is worth 30% of the course. To finish with 85%, you need (85 − 84 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = 87.3% on the final.
- For a B (80%), you would need about 70.7%.
- For a C (70%), about 37.3%.
- An A (90%) would require 104%, which is not possible without extra credit.
Where to find your numbers
- Current grade: your online grade book or learning platform usually shows it.
- Final exam weight: listed in the course syllabus, often between 15% and 40%.
If your course uses points instead of percentages, divide your points earned by the points possible so far to get your current grade.
Making the most of the result
- If the score is within reach: plan your revision with focused sessions. The Pomodoro planner helps.
- If it is out of reach: ask your instructor about extra credit, regrades or how the final is curved.
- If it is already secured: keep studying for the knowledge, but you can relax a little.
Frequently asked questions
What if my course has several categories with different weights?
Use your overall current grade as shown in your grade book, which already combines the categories.
Does this work for letter grades?
Convert letter grades to percentages first using your course's grading scale, for example A = 90% or above.
Related tools
Results are estimates. Your instructor's grading policy, rounding and any curve determine your official grade, so check your course syllabus.