To find the score needed on a final exam, first work out how many overall course points you have earned. Then divide the points still needed by the weight of the remaining work. The Grade Calculator performs both steps and shows when a target would require more than 100%.
Use course weights, not assignment point totals
An assignment graded 80 out of 100 and worth 20% of the course contributes 80 × 20 ÷ 100 = 16 overall course points. If an assignment uses a different point scale, convert it to a percentage first. A score of 36 out of 40 is 90%.
Enter completed work only. The calculator treats the portion of the course weight not entered as the final exam or remaining assignments. Completed weights must total more than zero and no more than 100%.
Work through an example
Suppose three completed assessments scored 80%, 90% and 70%, with course weights of 20%, 30% and 10%. They contribute 16 + 27 + 7 = 50 overall points. Together they account for 60% of the course, so the current weighted grade on completed work is 50 ÷ 60 × 100 = 83.3333%.
If the target course grade is 85%, another 35 overall points are needed. The remaining weight is 40%, so the required average is 35 ÷ 40 × 100 = 87.5%. If the final exam is the only remaining assessment, 87.5% is the required final-exam score under those weights.
Understand unusual results
A required score above 100% means the target is not reachable under the entered weights without an additional rule such as extra credit. A required score at or below zero means the entered completed work has already earned enough points for that target, assuming remaining scores cannot be negative.
If all course weights are already completed, there is no remaining-work score to calculate. Check the final weighted total instead.
Check your course rules
A syllabus may apply dropped assignments, category weighting, minimum exam scores or special rounding. Model those rules before relying on a result. Do not round each intermediate contribution prematurely; compare the final result with the institution’s stated policy.
For proportions outside course grading, use the Ratio Calculator. For a list of equally weighted scores, the Mean, Median and Mode Calculator describes the data without applying course weights.