What Score Do I Need on My Final Exam?

Finals week brings one universal question: "What do I need to pass — or to get the grade I want?" You can answer it with a single formula.

The Formula

Score Needed = (target − current × (1 − finalWeight / 100)) ÷ (finalWeight / 100)

Where:

target = the overall course grade you want (%)
current = your grade on all work completed before the final (%)
finalWeight = the percentage of the total course grade the final exam is worth

Example: Aiming for an A

Current grade: 80%
Final exam worth: 30% of course grade
Target: 90%

Score Needed = (90 − 80 × 0.70) / 0.30
             = (90 − 56) / 0.30
             = 34 / 0.30
             = 96.7%

You need 96.7% on the final to finish with a 90%.

What if the Result Is Over 100%?

A result over 100% means it's mathematically impossible to reach that target. Your options:

Aim lower — calculate the highest achievable grade instead.
Check for extra credit — some professors offer it.
Speak to your professor — understanding your exact grading policy matters.

What if the Result Is Negative?

A negative result is good news: you've already secured your target grade. Even a 0% on the final wouldn't drop you below it. You should still try, but the pressure is off.

Finding the Highest Possible Grade

Rearrange the formula with a score of 100% on the final:

Max Grade = current × (1 − finalWeight/100) + 100 × (finalWeight/100)

Using the same example: 80 × 0.70 + 100 × 0.30 = 56 + 30 = 86% is the best possible outcome.

Quick Tool

Use the Final Exam Score Needed Calculator to get your answer instantly without the algebra.