Formula
Assumptions used
How this calculator works
Your current grade covers everything graded except the final. The final is worth a known percentage of the course. Rearranging the weighted average to solve for the one remaining unknown gives you the score the final has to reach.
needed = (target − current × (1 − final weight)) ÷ final weight
Worked example
You are sitting on 79.6%. The final is worth 30% of the course. You want to finish on 85%.
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Current counts for | 100% − 30% | 70% of the course |
| Locked-in contribution | 79.6 × 0.70 | 55.72 |
| Still needed | 85 − 55.72 | 29.28 |
| Final must score | 29.28 ÷ 0.30 | 97.6% |
Achievable, but it tells you exactly how much work the next few weeks need — and it tells you now, while there is still time to do something about it.
The three answers you can get
A reachable number
The ordinary case. Score at least this on the final and you finish at or above your target.
Out of reach
The target cannot be hit with the final alone. The calculator shows the best grade still possible so you can reset the target realistically.
Already secured
Even a zero on the final leaves you at or above target. Worth knowing — though a zero has other consequences.
Try it in both directions
The most useful way to use this is not to enter one target, but three. Work out what you need for an A, for a B, and to pass. That gives you a range rather than a single pass-or-fail number, and it usually changes how you plan revision.
| Target | Needed on the final | Realistic? |
|---|---|---|
| 90% (A−) | 114.3% | No — out of reach |
| 85% (B) | 97.6% | Very demanding |
| 80% (B−) | 81.0% | Achievable |
| 70% (C−) | 46.9% | Comfortable |
Same current grade, same final weight, four very different pictures. Seeing them together is what turns the calculator from a number into a decision.
This assumes your current grade covers all graded work except the final. If other assignments are still outstanding, the figure will be optimistic — bring those in first.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need on the final to pass?
Enter your school pass mark as the target — often 60 — along with your current grade and the final exam weight. The calculator returns the score required.
What if I need more than 100%?
Then the target cannot be reached with the final alone. The calculator shows the highest overall grade still possible so you can reset the target to something realistic.
Where do I find the final exam weight?
On your syllabus, usually stated as a percentage of the overall course grade. If it is expressed in points instead, divide the final points by the total course points.
Does this account for extra credit?
No. If your instructor has already applied extra credit to your current grade, enter the adjusted figure. Anything still pending is not modelled.
What if other assignments are still ungraded?
Then the result will be optimistic, because the calculation assumes your current grade covers everything except the final. Bring the outstanding work in first if you can.
Why should I try several targets?
Because a single number is pass-or-fail while a range is a plan. Working out what you need for an A, a B and a pass usually changes how you allocate revision time.
Can my grade go down if I do well on the final?
Only if the final score is below your current grade. Scoring exactly your current grade leaves you where you are; anything above raises it.
Is this the same as a grade needed calculator?
Yes — the maths is identical, which is why this site has one strong page rather than two thin ones covering the same question.
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