Accurate Results with our Free Final Grade Calculator. No Signup Required!
Before calculating what you need on your final exam, you might want to verify your current course grade. Once you know your final exam score, use our GPA calculator to see how this course affects your overall GPA.
Final Grade Calculator
Calculate what grade you need on your final exam or remaining assignments
What Grade Do I Need on My Final Exam?
This free final grade calculator answers the most important question students ask before finals: “What do I need to get on my final exam?” Simply enter three numbers:
1. Your current grade (the percentage or letter grade you have now)
2. Your target grade (the final grade you want for the course)
3. Final exam weight (how much your final counts – usually 20-40%)
The calculator instantly shows exactly what score you need on your final exam. No guessing, no complicated math , just a clear answer in seconds.
Example: If you have an 85% now, want a 90% overall, and your final is worth 30% of your grade, you’d need to score 96.67% on the final exam.
How to Use the Final Grade Calculator
Quick Calculator (Simple 3-Step Process)
Perfect when you need a fast answer about a single final exam.
Step 1: Enter Your Current Grade Input your current course grade as a percentage. Find this in your school portal or calculate it using our grade calculator.
Step 2: Set Your Target Grade Enter the minimum overall grade you want to achieve (e.g., 90 for an A).
Step 3: Input Final Exam Weight Enter what percentage your final exam counts toward your grade. Check your syllabus for this number (commonly 20-30%).
Result: The calculator instantly shows what score you need on your final exam.
Advanced Mode (For Multiple Assignments)
Use this when you have multiple grading categories with different weights.
When to Use Advanced Mode:
- Your course has homework, quizzes, tests, and projects
- You want to see your current overall grade
- You have several remaining assignments, not just a final
- You’re tracking progress throughout the semester
How It Works:
- Click “Add Category” for each graded component
- Enter the grade you received and its weight
- Add remaining work weight (or let it auto-calculate)
- Select your target grade from the dropdown
- See what you need on remaining work
Understanding the Formula
How the Calculation Works
Our calculator uses the standard weighted average formula taught in schools worldwide:
Basic Formula:
Final Grade = (Current Grade × Current Weight) + (Final Exam Score × Final Weight)
To Find Required Score:
Required Score = (Target Grade – Current Grade × (100% – Final Weight)) / Final Weight
For courses with multiple weighted categories, our weighted grade calculator can help you understand how each component affects your grade.
Example Calculation
Given:
- Current grade: 88%
- Current work weight: 75%
- Final exam weight: 25%
- Target grade: 90%
Calculation:
Required Score = (90 – 88 × 0.75) / 0.25 Required Score = (90 – 66) / 0.25 Required Score = 96%
Result: You need 96% on your final to achieve a 90% overall grade.
Verification:
Final Grade = (88 × 0.75) + (96 × 0.25) Final Grade = 66 + 24 = 90% ✓
What Your Required Score Means
✅ 0-70% Needed: Easily Achievable You’re in excellent shape. Standard preparation should work fine.
Strategy: Consistent review over 2-3 weeks. Focus on understanding key concepts. Use practice tests to identify weak spots.
📚 71-84% Needed: Achievable with Effort Solid preparation required but definitely within reach.
Strategy: Start studying 2-3 weeks early. Review all course material systematically. Form study groups. Complete practice exams.
💪 85-95% Needed: Challenging Requires near-excellent performance and intensive preparation.
Strategy: Begin 3-4 weeks before the exam. Work with professor or tutor. Complete every available practice problem. Dedicate majority of study time to this course.
🔥 96-100% Needed: Very Challenging Requires perfect or near-perfect performance.
Strategy: Maximum effort needed. Start 4+ weeks early. Master every topic comprehensively. Attend all office hours. Consider professional tutoring. Practice daily.
❌ 101%+ Needed: Not Possible Your target cannot be achieved even with a perfect score.
Strategy: Calculate your maximum possible grade (with 100% on final). Set a new realistic target. Check for extra credit opportunities. Focus on learning for future courses.
Standard Grading Scale
Most U.S. institutions use this conversion (always verify with your syllabus):
| Letter Grade | Percentage | GPA (4.0) |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100% | 4.0 |
| A | 93-96% | 4.0 |
| A- | 90-92% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87-89% | 3.3 |
| B | 83-86% | 3.0 |
| B- | 80-82% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77-79% | 2.3 |
| C | 73-76% | 2.0 |
| C- | 70-72% | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67-69% | 1.3 |
| D | 63-66% | 1.0 |
| F | Below 63% | 0.0 |
Note: Grading scales vary by institution. Some schools use a 10-point scale (90-100 = A), others use 7-point scales. Always check your specific course syllabus.
Study Tips by Required Score
If You Need 70% or Less
2-Week Plan:
- Review course outline and major topics
- 30-60 minutes daily study
- One practice test in week 1
- Focus review on challenging areas week 2
- Take 2-3 practice exams before test day
If You Need 71-84%
3-Week Plan:
- Week 1: Comprehensive material review (1-2 hours daily)
- Week 2: Intensive practice and study groups (2-3 hours daily)
- Week 3: Focus on weak areas and practice exams (2-3 hours daily)
- Use active recall and spaced repetition techniques
If You Need 85-95%
4-Week Plan:
- Week 1: Diagnostic test and detailed study schedule (2-3 hours daily)
- Weeks 2-3: Deep learning with every practice problem (3-4 hours daily)
- Week 4: Full practice exams daily and intensive review (3-5 hours daily)
- Work with professor, tutor, or study groups throughout
- Make this course your top priority
If You Need 96-100%
5+ Week Plan:
- Weeks 1-2: Master every lecture and reading (3-4 hours daily)
- Weeks 3-4: Complete all textbook problems, seek extra practice (4-5 hours daily)
- Final Week: Multiple practice exams, light review day before (4-6 hours, taper at end)
- Consider professional tutoring
- Attend all office hours
- Study with top-performing students
FAQs
Absolutely! This calculator works for any educational level—middle school, high school, college, university, or graduate school.
Use our grade calculator to calculate your current grade from your assignments, then use that number here.
Convert to percentage: (Points Earned ÷ Total Points) × 100. Example: 450/500 points = 90%.
This means your target is mathematically impossible. The calculator will also show your maximum possible grade with a perfect 100% on the final.
Use it when your course has multiple grading categories (homework, quizzes, tests, projects) with different weights, or when you want to see your current overall grade.
Add up the weight percentages of all future assignments from your syllabus. Or let the calculator auto-calculate by subtracting your entered categories from 100%.
Yes! Finals are usually required, help solidify understanding, and the material often appears in future courses. Plus, professors remember students who maintain effort.
This is challenging but possible. Start studying 4+ weeks early, use all available resources, work with your professor, and consider tutoring. Focus on truly mastering the material.
Related Grade Calculators
Grade Calculator
Calculate your current grade from individual assignments and tests. Perfect for determining your current course standing before using the final grade calculator.
GPA Calculator
Calculate your semester or cumulative GPA across all courses. Essential for tracking academic standing, scholarship eligibility, and graduate school applications.
Weighted Grade Calculator
Handle complex grading systems with multiple weighted categories. Ideal for understanding how each component affects your overall grade.
How They Work Together:
- Use the Grade Calculator to find your current course grade
- Use the Final Grade Calculator (this tool) to see what you need on remaining work
- Use the GPA Calculator to see how your semester grades affect your overall GPA
Take Control of Your Grades
Understanding what you need on your final exam removes uncertainty and helps you study strategically. Whether you need a perfect score or have already secured your goal, knowing the exact number empowers you to make informed decisions about your time and effort.
Ready to Calculate? Use the calculator above to find out what grade you need. Then create your study plan and execute it with confidence.
Next Steps:
- Calculate your required score for each course
- Create a realistic study schedule
- Use our grade calculator to track progress
- Check your GPA impact with our GPA calculator
Remember: One grade doesn’t define you. Give your best effort, use available resources, and focus on learning. You’ve got this!