This calculator solves the two most common grading questions students face: "What score do I need on my final exam to get the grade I want?" and "What is my weighted average across all my assignments?" Both calculations use percentages as their foundation.
Final exam score needed
For example: your current grade is 82%, the final exam is worth 30% of your course grade, and you want to finish with a 90%. Required score = (90 − 82 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = (90 − 57.4) ÷ 0.30 = 32.6 ÷ 0.30 = 108.67%. In this case, even a perfect 100% on the final wouldn't reach your target — which is useful information for setting realistic expectations.
Weighted grade average
Each assignment, quiz, or exam counts for a different proportion of your overall grade. A midterm worth 25% matters more than homework worth 10%. The weighted average formula accounts for this by multiplying each score by its weight, summing them, and dividing by the total weight.
Worked example: weighted average
- Homework: 95% (weight 15%)
- Midterm: 78% (weight 25%)
- Project: 88% (weight 20%)
- Final exam: 82% (weight 40%)
Weighted average = (95×15 + 78×25 + 88×20 + 82×40) ÷ (15+25+20+40) = (1425 + 1950 + 1760 + 3280) ÷ 100 = 84.15%.
Common grading scales
- A: 90–100% (4.0 GPA)
- B: 80–89% (3.0 GPA)
- C: 70–79% (2.0 GPA)
- D: 60–69% (1.0 GPA)
- F: Below 60% (0.0 GPA)
Note that grading scales vary by school and professor. Some use plus/minus grades (A−, B+), different cutoffs, or curves. Always check your syllabus for the specific scale used in your course.
Tips for improving your grade
- Focus on high-weight assignments. A 5% improvement on a 40%-weight final matters more than perfecting a 5%-weight quiz.
- Calculate early. Know your standing before the final — not after. This calculator shows exactly what you need.
- Talk to your professor. If the math shows you need an unrealistic score, ask about extra credit, grade replacement policies, or alternative assessments.