What Do I Need on My Final?
Last updated: October 11, 2026
To find the score you need on a final exam, you need three numbers: your current grade, how much the final is worth, and the grade you want in the class.
The formula
Score needed = (desired grade − current grade × (1 − final weight)) ÷ final weight
Write the final weight as a decimal (25% is 0.25). Your current grade should include everything in the class except the final.
Example
You have an 85% now, the final is worth 25%, and you want an 80% in the class.
- 85 × (1 − 0.25) = 63.75
- 80 − 63.75 = 16.25
- 16.25 ÷ 0.25 = 65
You need a 65% on the final. For a 90% in the class, the same steps give 105%. That is above 100%, so a 90 is only reachable if extra credit is available.
Keep in mind
- The result is an estimate. Your teacher’s rounding and any dropped scores can change it slightly.
- If some assignments are still ungraded, work out your current grade without them first.
- Not sure what your current grade is? Paste your gradebook into the calculator and the table fills in on its own.