What this calculator does
Find the percentage you need on a final exam to reach a target overall grade. Your current grade must represent all assessed work except that exam. The calculator uses the final’s percentage weight and reports when a target would require more than 100%. It does not apply extra credit or institutional rounding.
Formula, assumptions and sources
Required exam score = (target − current × (1 − exam weight)) ÷ exam weight. Current grade covers all work except the final. No extra credit or rounding policy.
Worked example
This example uses the initial values shown in the form. It is illustrative and is not a saved personal result.
Example inputs
- Current coursework grade (%)
- 82
- Target overall grade (%)
- 85
- Final exam weight (%)
- 30
Example result
The dotted horizontal line is your target. The line covers exam scores from 0% to 100%.
View chart data
| Final exam (%) | Overall grade (%) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 57.4 |
| 25 | 64.9 |
| 50 | 72.4 |
| 75 | 79.9 |
| 100 | 87.4 |
Target: 85%
Aim for at least this score. Institutional rounding and pass requirements may differ.
Frequently asked questions
What if the required score is over 100%?
The target is not attainable under the entered weights without extra credit or a different grading policy.
What if the required score is negative?
The target is already mathematically secured in this weighted model. A course may still require exam attendance or a minimum exam pass.
Method and example checked 4 November 2026. How we check calculations