Guide

What Score Do I Need on My Final?

Q: What if the required score is negative?

A negative required score means the target grade has already been reached based on current work alone, assuming the weights and current grade are accurate.

Q: Can I combine this with extra credit?

Yes, calculate the required final score first, then use an extra-credit mode to see how available extra credit changes the requirement.

The required-final calculation solves for the exam score that would move your current grade to a chosen target.

Required-final formula

Required Final = [Target − Current × (1 − Final Weight)] ÷ Final Weight

Example

With an 84% current grade, a 90% target, and a final worth 30%, the required score is the target after accounting for the 70% already represented by the current grade.

When the answer is over 100%

A result above 100% means the target cannot be reached through that final alone under the stated assumptions. Whether extra credit or another grading rule changes the outcome depends on the course policy.

Try scenarios: Final Grade Calculator includes a required-score mode and a projected-grade mode.

Frequently asked questions

What if the required score is negative?

A negative required score means you've already reached your target grade based on your current work alone — even a 0% on the final wouldn't bring you below it, assuming the weights and current grade are accurate.

Can I combine this with extra credit?

Yes. Calculate the required final score first, then check the Extra-credit mode on the Final Grade Calculator to see how available extra credit changes what you need.

What if I have multiple finals left?

Split the remaining weight across each final and solve for a combined target, or calculate one final's required score while holding the others at an assumed value, then adjust as real scores come in.