Final Exam Calculator
Use your current course grade, desired course grade, and final exam weight to estimate the final exam score you need.
Final exam target
Find the score you need on your final exam to hit a target grade.
Required final exam score
110.0%
This target may not be realistic — you'd need above 100% on the final.
What this means: If your required final exam score is 87%, you need at least an 87 on the final to reach your target grade.
Result actions
How it works
- Enter your current weighted course grade as a percentage.
- Enter the final course grade you want to finish with.
- Enter how much the final exam counts toward the course grade.
- The calculator solves the final exam score required to reach that target.
Example calculation
If your current grade is 85, your target is 90, and the final is worth 20%, the required score is (90 - 85 x 0.8) / 0.2 = 110%.
What this means
A required score over 100% means the target is not reachable on the final alone unless your class has extra credit, a curve, or other adjustments. A score below 100% is mathematically reachable if all inputs are correct.
FAQ
- What final exam weight should I enter?
- Use the percentage listed in your syllabus or gradebook. If the final is worth 20% of the course, enter 20.
- What if my final has multiple parts?
- Combine the parts into one final exam percentage if they share one final category. If they have separate course weights, calculate each category first.
- Why is the required score over 100?
- Your target is too high for the final exam weight and current grade. You may need extra credit, a lower target, or more graded work before the final.
- Does this account for curves?
- No. Curves and instructor adjustments are not predictable from the basic formula.
Related calculators and guides
- Grade CalculatorEstimate your current weighted course grade first.
- How to Calculate Your Final GradeRead the formula and examples behind the calculator.
- Guide: Final grade formulaUnderstand the algebra behind required final scores.
- Guide: Grade needed to passUse a user-entered passing target with the final formula.
- Guide: Curves and final grade planningPlan carefully when a class may use a curve.
- Guide: How final exams affect your gradeSee how final weight changes the score you need.
- Guide: Final worth 30 percentUnderstand a common final exam weight scenario.
- Guide: Impossible final targetsLearn why some targets require more than 100%.
- GPA CalculatorCalculate an unweighted GPA from course grades and credits.
- Final Grade CalculatorFind the final exam score needed for a target course grade.
- Semester GPA CalculatorWork backwards from a target cumulative GPA for a semester.
- Guide: How to raise your GPAUnderstand how current GPA, credits, and future grades work together.
- Guide: Improve GPA this semesterPlan one term of GPA improvement with current credits and future grades.
- Guide: Common GPA planning mistakesAvoid errors with credits, scales, and unofficial estimates.
Related grading systems
GradeTally is an independent planning tool and is not affiliated with any school, college, university, or education department. Calculations are for planning purposes only; confirm official GPA rules with your school counselor, registrar, or official academic policy.