How to use this calculator
Choose between two modes using the tabs at the top. In “What Do I Need?” mode, enter your current course grade, select the letter grade you want to finish with, and set your final exam weight. The calculator tells you the minimum score you need on the final to hit your target.
In “What Will I Get?” mode, enter your current grade, the score you expect to earn on the final, and the exam weight. The calculator shows your projected course grade as both a percentage and letter grade.
Understanding the grade calculation formula
Your final course grade is a weighted average of your coursework grade and your final exam score. If the final is worth 20% of your grade, then the other 80% comes from assignments, quizzes, midterms, and participation completed during the semester.
The formula is: Final Grade = (Current Grade x Coursework Weight) + (Exam Score x Final Weight). To find the exam score you need, simply rearrange to solve for the exam score variable.
Common grading scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97 - 100% | 4.0 |
| A | 93 - 96% | 4.0 |
| A- | 90 - 92% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87 - 89% | 3.3 |
| B | 83 - 86% | 3.0 |
| B- | 80 - 82% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77 - 79% | 2.3 |
| C | 73 - 76% | 2.0 |
| C- | 70 - 72% | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67 - 69% | 1.3 |
| D | 63 - 66% | 1.0 |
| D- | 60 - 62% | 0.7 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final exam?
Use the formula: Needed Score = (Desired Grade - Current Grade x (1 - Final Weight)) / Final Weight. For example, if you have an 85% and want a 90% (A-) with a final worth 30%, you need: (90 - 85 x 0.70) / 0.30 = 101.7%. In this case, an A- would not be achievable through the final alone.
How much can a final exam raise or lower my grade?
The impact depends on the final's weight. A final worth 20% of your grade can move your overall grade by up to 20 percentage points. Realistically, a 20% final can shift your grade by about one to two letter grades in either direction.
What is the most common final exam weight?
The most common final exam weights are 20-30% of the total course grade. Some intensive courses weigh the final at 40-50%, while courses with many smaller assignments may weigh it at only 10-15%. Always check your course syllabus for the exact weight.
What GPA does each letter grade correspond to?
On a standard 4.0 scale: A/A+ = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, and F = 0.0. The percentage thresholds vary by institution but commonly follow a standard scale.
Can I still pass if I fail the final exam?
It depends on the final's weight and your current grade. If the final is worth 20% and you have a 90% going in, even scoring 0% on the final gives you 72% overall (a C-). However, some courses have a policy requiring you to pass the final to pass the course regardless of your other grades. Check your syllabus for any such requirements.