Grade Needed Calculator
Find out exactly what score you need on your final exam or remaining assignments to reach your target course grade.
Example: What Do I Need on My Final?
| Current Grade | Current Weight | Target: 90% | Target: 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95% | 70% | 78% | 55% |
| 88% | 70% | 97% | 65% |
| 82% | 70% | Not possible | 69% |
| 75% | 70% | Not possible | 92% |
| 70% | 70% | Not possible | Not possible |
Remaining weight = 30% (e.g. a 30% final exam). Required scores above 100% are not achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final exam?
Use the formula: Required Grade = (Target Grade − Current Grade × Current Weight%) ÷ Remaining Weight%. Example: You have an 82% with 70% of the grade completed and want a 90% overall. Required = (90 − 82 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = (90 − 57.4) ÷ 0.30 = 32.6 ÷ 0.30 = 108.7%. Since that exceeds 100%, a 90% is no longer achievable.
What if the required grade is over 100%?
If the calculator shows a required grade above 100%, your target is mathematically impossible given your current standing and the remaining weight of work. In that case, determine the maximum possible grade: Maximum = Current Grade × Current Weight% + 100% × Remaining Weight%. This tells you the highest grade you can achieve even with a perfect score on remaining work. Adjust your target accordingly.
My professor drops the lowest grade — how does that affect this?
If your professor drops the lowest grade, recalculate your current weighted average after excluding that grade. The weight that was allocated to the dropped assignment may be redistributed proportionally to other categories. For example, if homework is 20% and one assignment is dropped from 10 homework grades, each remaining homework assignment's weight increases slightly. Check your syllabus for how drops are handled before entering values.
What is a passing grade in college?
Passing grade standards vary by institution and program. Most US colleges consider D (60–69%) a passing grade for general credit, but many major courses require C (70%) or higher to count toward the degree. Graduate courses typically require B (80%) minimum to pass. Some schools use a C− (70%) minimum for letter grades to count. Always check your specific program requirements — a D may technically pass but fail to satisfy major, minor, or prerequisite requirements.