Your grade before the final exam
Percentage of total grade
Grade you want to achieve
How to Use This Final Exam Grade Calculator
This calculator helps you determine what grade you need on your final exam to achieve your desired overall course grade. Follow these simple steps:
- Enter your current grade in the course (before the final exam)
- Input the weight of the final exam as a percentage of your total grade (this information should be in your syllabus)
- Specify your desired final grade for the course
- Click "Calculate Required Grade" to see what minimum score you need on the final exam
Understanding the Final Exam Grade Calculation
The formula used to calculate the required grade on your final exam is:
Required Final Exam Grade = (Desired Final Grade - Current Grade × (1 - Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight
For example, if you have:
- Current Grade: 78%
- Final Exam Weight: 25% (0.25 in the formula)
- Desired Final Grade: 80%
The calculation would be:
Required Final Exam Grade = (80 - 78 × (1 - 0.25)) ÷ 0.25 = (80 - 78 × 0.75) ÷ 0.25 = (80 - 58.5) ÷ 0.25 = 21.5 ÷ 0.25 = 86%
What If My Required Grade Is Over 100%?
If the calculator shows you need more than 100% on your final exam, it means your desired grade is not mathematically possible with just the final exam. In this case, you have several options:
- Adjust your goal to a more achievable final grade
- Ask about extra credit to improve your current grade before the final
- See if your instructor offers additional assignments that could help boost your grade
- Focus on maximizing your final exam score to get as close as possible to your goal
Tips for Final Exam Success
Now that you know what grade you need on your final exam, here are some strategies to help you achieve your goal:
- Create a study schedule - Break down your studying into manageable daily sessions
- Focus on areas of weakness - Prioritize topics you've struggled with during the semester
- Use active study techniques - Practice problems, self-quizzing, and teaching concepts to others are more effective than passive reading
- Attend review sessions - Many instructors offer final exam review sessions that highlight important topics
- Get enough sleep - Being well-rested is crucial for optimal cognitive performance during exams
- Manage test anxiety - Use breathing techniques and positive visualization to stay calm during the exam
Common Grading Scales and Final Grade Thresholds
When setting your desired grade, it's helpful to know the common grade thresholds used by most institutions:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | GPA (4.0 Scale) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100% | 4.0 |
| B | 80-89% | 3.0 |
| C | 70-79% | 2.0 |
| D | 60-69% | 1.0 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
Consider setting your desired grade at the minimum threshold needed for your target letter grade. For example, if you want a B, aim for at least 80%.