If your final exam counts for part of your course grade, you can calculate the exact score you need to reach your goal.
The formula
Needed score = (Target grade – Current grade x (1 – Final weight)) / Final weight. Write the final weight as a decimal, so 30% becomes 0.30.
Example
Your current grade is 82%, the final is worth 30%, and you want 85% overall.
- Current grade part: 82 x 0.70 = 57.4
- Remaining points needed: 85 – 57.4 = 27.6
- Needed score: 27.6 / 0.30 = 92%
If you only need 80% overall, the needed score is (80 – 57.4) / 0.30 = 75.3%.
What if the result is over 100%?
Then the target is not reachable with the final alone unless extra credit is available. Choose a realistic target or ask your instructor about options.
Use our final grade calculator to test different targets quickly.
Try it now: Final Grade Calculator