Final Grade Calculator
Find out exactly what score you need on your final exam to get an A, B, or C in the class. Enter your current grade, final exam weight, and target grade to see your required score instantly.
Final Exam Score Needed
Score Needed
110.0%
A+ on final
Very unlikely — consider a lower target
You would need 110.0% — that's above 100%. Consider lowering your target to .
Enter Your Grades
Enter your current overall grade in the class, how much the final exam is worth, and the final grade you want to achieve.
You need a 110.0% on your final to get a 90% (A-) in the class.
Very unlikely — consider a lower target
Quick targets:
Achievability Breakdown
| Target | Grade | Needed on Final | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90% | A- | 110.0% | ✗ Impossible |
| 80% | B- | 60.0% | ✓ Easy |
| 70% | C- | 10.0% | ✓ Easy |
| 60% | D- | -40.0% | ✓ Easy |
How It's Calculated
The formula used to find your required final exam score:
Your calculation:
= (90 − 85 × (1 − 0.20)) ÷ 0.20
= (90 − 68.0) ÷ 0.20
= 110.0%
Saved Scenarios
Click Save above to store grading scenarios and compare them side by side.
Letter Grade Scale
A+
97%+
A
93%+
A-
90%+
B+
87%+
B
83%+
B-
80%+
C+
77%+
C
73%+
C-
70%+
D+
67%+
D
63%+
F
0%+
You need to score a A+ (110.0%) on your final exam.
Final Exam Score Needed
Score Needed
110.0%
A+ on final
Very unlikely — consider a lower target
You would need 110.0% — that's above 100%. Consider lowering your target to .
Quick Answer
To find the score you need on your final exam: Needed Final Score = (Desired Grade − Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight. For example, if your current grade is 85%, the final is worth 20% of your grade, and you want a 90%: (90 − 85 × 0.80) ÷ 0.20 = (90 − 68) ÷ 0.20 = 110%. If the result is over 100%, that target is not achievable.
Key Facts
- Formula: Final Score Needed = (Desired − Current × (1 − Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight
- Final exams typically count for 15–30% of your overall grade
- If the needed score exceeds 100%, your target grade is mathematically impossible
- Standard letter scale: A = 90–100%, B = 80–89%, C = 70–79%, D = 60–69%, F = below 60%
- A higher current grade means less pressure on the final exam
- A low final weight (e.g. 10%) limits how much the final can change your grade
- Extra credit before the final can raise your current grade and lower the score needed
- Some professors curve final exam scores or drop your lowest test
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the formula: Needed = (Desired Grade − Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight. For example, if you have an 85% and want a 90% with a final worth 20%: (90 − 85×0.80) ÷ 0.20 = 110%. If the result is over 100%, that target is not reachable.
If the calculator shows you need more than 100% on the final, your target grade is mathematically impossible with that final weight. Your options are: lower your target grade, earn extra credit before the final, or ask about a grading curve.
The final exam changes your grade proportionally to its weight. A final worth 20% can move your overall grade by up to 20 percentage points. A final worth 50% can swing your grade dramatically. The higher the weight, the more impact.
A passing grade is typically a D (60% or above) for undergraduate courses, or a C (70% or above) for graduate-level or prerequisite courses. Some programs require a C or higher to count the class toward a major. Check your syllabus for exact requirements.
Standard US scale: A = 90–100% (4.0 GPA), B = 80–89% (3.0), C = 70–79% (2.0), D = 60–69% (1.0), F = below 60% (0.0). Many schools add plus/minus: A− = 90–92%, B+ = 87–89%, etc. Check your institution for exact cutoffs.
Final Exam Score Needed
Score Needed
110.0%
A+ on final
Very unlikely — consider a lower target
You would need 110.0% — that's above 100%. Consider lowering your target to .