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What grade do I need on my final?
Subtract the weighted points you've already earned from the grade you want, then divide by the final's weight. Here's each step with a worked example, a calculator to try it, and what to do when the answer is over 100%.
Updated · Arcavelo
Step 1
Add up the weighted points you've earned
Multiply each category's average by its weight from the syllabus, then add them up. Leave the final out, since it hasn't happened yet. Here's an example class, PSYC 101 · Intro to Psychology, where the final is worth 35%.
| Category | Weight | Your average | Points earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework | 25% | 90.0% | 22.50 |
| Quizzes | 15% | 85.0% | 12.75 |
| Midterm | 25% | 82.0% | 20.50 |
| Total | 65% | 55.75 |
That's 55.75 points out of the 65 graded so far, so the current grade is 55.75 ÷ 65 = 85.8%.
Step 2
Pick the grade you want as a percentage
Use the lowest percentage that earns the letter you want, from your syllabus. Many classes use the scale below, but professors set their own cutoffs and rounding, so a syllabus that says an A- starts at 89.5 wins.
| Letter grade | Minimum |
|---|---|
| A | 93% |
| A- | 90% |
| B+ | 87% |
| B | 83% |
| B- | 80% |
| C+ | 77% |
| C | 73% |
| C- | 70% |
| D+ | 67% |
| D | 63% |
| D- | 60% |
Step 3
Divide what's left by the final's weight
Needed final score = (target grade − points earned) ÷ final weight. Write the weight as a decimal, so 35% is 0.35.
For an A-: (90 − 55.75) ÷ 0.35 = 97.9% on the final
- A- (90%): (90 − 55.75) ÷ 0.35 = 97.9%
- B+ (87%): (87 − 55.75) ÷ 0.35 = 89.3%
- B (83%): (83 − 55.75) ÷ 0.35 = 77.9%
If you only know your current grade, this version gives the same answer: (target − current × (1 − final weight)) ÷ final weight. Here, (90 − 85.8 × 0.65) ÷ 0.35 = 97.9%.
Try it
Drag the final exam score
This is the same example class, using the same math as Arcavelo's class pages. Slide the final exam score to see the class grade it would give you.
PSYC 101 · Intro to Psychology
Demo class
Now: 85.8% (B) · The final is 35% of the grade.
Projected grade
B83.8%
- A-needs 97.9%
- B+needs 89.3%
- Bneeds 77.9%
Reading the answer
Over 100%, under 0%, and passing
Over 100% means that grade can't be reached on the final alone. Aim for the next letter down, and ask your professor about extra credit or work you can still submit.
Zero or below means you've already locked that grade in, as long as nothing else in the class is left to grade.
To see what you need to pass, use the passing cutoff as your target. In the example, a D- (60%) needs just 12.1% on the final. Some classes also require a minimum score on the final itself, so check the syllabus.
Special cases
When your class works differently
Points-based classes: the target is a number of points instead of a percentage. With 1000 points in the class, 680 earned so far and a 200-point final, an 80% needs 0.8 × 1000 − 680 = 120 points, which is 120 ÷ 200 = 60% on the final.
- Other work still ungraded: the formula assumes the final is the only thing left. If a project or homework is still out, plug in the score you expect for it first.
- Final replaces your lowest exam: work it out both ways and use whichever needs less.
- Dropped lowest scores: drop them before you average the category.
- Rounding: some professors round an 89.5 up to an A-, some don't. Plan for the cutoff as written.
Once you know your final grades, the GPA guide shows what they do to your semester and cumulative GPA.
FAQ
Final exam questions
What is the formula for the grade I need on my final?
Needed final score = (target grade − weighted points already earned) ÷ final exam weight. If you know your current grade instead, use (target − current × (1 − final weight)) ÷ final weight. Weights are decimals, so a 35% final is 0.35.
What if I need more than 100% on the final?
Then that grade can't be reached on the final alone. Aim for the next grade down, and ask your professor about extra credit or any work you can still submit.
Where do I find my final exam's weight?
In your syllabus, usually in a grading section that lists each category's percentage. If your class uses points instead, divide the final's points by the class's total points.
Can I fail the final and still pass the class?
Often, yes. Use the same formula with your school's passing cutoff as the target. Some classes require a minimum score on the final to pass no matter what, so check the syllabus.
What percentage is an A, B or C?
On a common scale, 93 is an A, 90 an A-, 87 a B+, 83 a B, 80 a B-, and so on down to 60 for a D-. Your syllabus sets the cutoffs for your class.