TidyToolsHow to work out what you need on the final
Your final grade is a blend of two things: everything you've done so far, and the final exam. The work so far counts for whatever percentage isn't the final — so if the final is worth 30%, your current grade counts for the other 70%. To hit your target, the final has to make up the gap. The formula is: needed = (target − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight, where weight is the final's share as a decimal.
This calculator runs that for you and also shows the score you'd need just to pass overall. If the number comes out above 100%, your target isn't reachable from the final alone (you'd need extra credit); if it's zero or negative, relax — you've already locked in your target.
A worked example
You're sitting on 82%, you want to finish with 85%, and the final is worth 30%. Your current grade covers 70%, so you need (85 − 82 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 ≈ 92% on the final. Tough but doable — and now you know the exact target to study toward instead of guessing.
Tips
- Check your syllabus for the real final weighting — it's often different from what you assume.
- Aim a little higher than the minimum, in case the exam is harder than expected.
- If it says over 100%, ask about extra credit or focus on securing the best grade you still can.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what I need on my final?
Take your target overall grade, subtract your current grade times its share (1 − final weight), then divide by the final's weight. This tool does it instantly.
What if the result is over 100%?
It means your target can't be reached from the final exam alone — you'd need extra credit, or you should aim for the highest grade still achievable.
What does "final exam weight" mean?
It's the percentage of your overall grade the final is worth, from your syllabus — for example, a final "worth 30%" makes everything else worth 70%.