The formula
Needed = (Goal − Current × (1 − Weight)) ÷ Weight
Example: with an 86% now, a final worth 20% and a goal of 90%, you need (90 − 86 × 0.8) ÷ 0.2 = 106%, which is out of reach without extra credit. An 88% in the class would need a 96%.
"Current grade" means your grade on everything except the final. Check your syllabus for the exact weight.
Planning before the final
- Work out where you stand right now with the weighted grade calculator, then enter that as your current grade here.
- Try a few goals. If an A needs 104% but a B+ needs 82%, you know where to aim.
- The more the final is worth, the more one exam can move your grade, up or down. A final worth 40% can change an 80% into anything from 48% to 88%.
Frequently asked questions
What if my final replaces my lowest test score?
Then the weights change. Work out your current grade without the lowest test, and add that test's weight to the final exam weight.
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