What Do I Need on My Final?
The formula, in plain English
Your course grade is a weighted average of two things: everything you've done so far, and the final exam. If the final is worth 30%, your current work is worth the other 70%. So the score you need is:
Three numbers, one division — that's the whole calculation. The weight must be written as a decimal (30% = 0.30), and both grades as percentages.
Worked examples for common situations
| Current grade | You want | Final worth | You need |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78% | 80% (B−) | 20% | 88% |
| 85% | 90% (A−) | 25% | 105% — not possible |
| 72% | 70% (pass) | 30% | 65.3% |
| 91% | 90% (A−) | 40% | 88.5% |
| 65% | 70% (C−) | 50% | 75% |
Notice the second row: when your target is far above your current grade and the final's weight is small, the math can demand more than 100%. That's not a calculator error — it's the honest answer that the target isn't reachable through the final alone. Ask about extra credit, or aim for the best grade that is still possible.
Where to find your final's weight
Check the grading section of your syllabus — it usually says something like "Final exam: 25%." If your course uses points instead of percentages, divide the final's points by the total course points: a 200-point final in a 1,000-point course is worth 20%. If two finals or a final project share the weight, add their shares together and treat them as one block, or run the calculator once per component.
Try it yourself: Final Grade Calculator
Enter your current grade, target and final weight — the exact score you need appears instantly, with a table for every letter grade.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to pass a class just by passing the final?
It depends on the weights. If you carry a 55% into a final worth 40%, scoring 80% lands you at 65% — passing at most schools. The same 80% on a final worth only 15% leaves you at 58.75%. Run your own numbers before deciding how to spend your study time.
Should I use my exact current grade or round it?
Use the exact number from your grade portal. Rounding an 87.4% to 88% before the calculation can swing the required final score by a full point or more when the final's weight is small.
What if my teacher drops the lowest test before the final?
Recalculate your current grade as if the dropped test is already gone, then run the formula with that adjusted number. The formula itself doesn't change — only the "current grade" you feed it.