How to Calculate the Score You Need on a Final Exam
Not sure if you can still hit your target grade? Use the final grade formula — or the free calculator below — to find out exactly what exam score you need.
The Final Grade Formula
Where:
- Target Grade — the overall course grade you want to achieve (as a percentage)
- Current Grade — your grade so far, before the final exam (as a percentage)
- Final Exam Weight — how much the final exam contributes to your overall grade (as a decimal: 40% = 0.40)
Worked Examples
Example 1: Can I still get an A?
Current grade: 76%
Target grade: 90%
Final exam weight: 30%
(90 − 76 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = (90 − 53.2) ÷ 0.30 = 36.8 ÷ 0.30
Required: 122.7% — Not achievable. You cannot reach 90% overall.
Example 2: Can I pass the course?
Current grade: 58%
Target grade: 60%
Final exam weight: 40%
(60 − 58 × 0.60) ÷ 0.40 = (60 − 34.8) ÷ 0.40 = 25.2 ÷ 0.40
Required: 63.0% — Achievable. You need 63% on the final to pass.
Example 3: Maintaining a B
Current grade: 85%
Target grade: 80%
Final exam weight: 25%
(80 − 85 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = (80 − 63.75) ÷ 0.25 = 16.25 ÷ 0.25
Required: 65.0% — You only need 65% on the final to maintain an 80% overall.
When the Required Score Exceeds 100%
If the formula returns a score greater than 100%, your target grade is mathematically not achievable with the remaining work. In this case, you should:
- Recalculate with a lower target grade to see what is still achievable.
- Check whether extra credit opportunities are available.
- Speak with your instructor about your academic standing.
- Review your institution's grade policy on incomplete courses or deferred exams.