How to use it
- Find your current grade in the class (your portal or the grade calculator).
- Look up how much the final counts in the syllabus — 15% to 25% is typical.
- Enter the grade you want; the table shows the score needed for every letter grade at once.
The formula
Needed on final = (target − current × (1 − w)) ÷ w
where w is the final's weight as a decimal (20% → 0.2)
Example: Current 86%, target 90%, final worth 20%: (90 − 86 × 0.8) ÷ 0.2 = 106% — not possible without extra credit.
Good to know
- Some teachers replace your lowest test with the final score — that can change the math in your favour.
- If the final is graded on a curve, aim a few points above the number you need.
Questions
What if I need more than 100% on the final?
Then the target grade isn't reachable through the final alone. Ask about extra credit, dropped scores or revisions; otherwise aim for the next grade down — the table shows what each letter takes.
How much will a bad final hurt my grade?
The 'If you skip it (0%)' line shows the worst case. With a final worth 20%, a 60 instead of 90 costs you 6 percentage points.
What if my class uses points?
Divide your points so far by points possible to get your current grade, and the final's points by the total points in the course to get its weight.