Finals season can feel like a sprint, but calculating your final grade doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you’re trying to figure out what you need on the final exam or just want to understand your current standing, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the math and give you tips to make quick decisions.
Step 1 — Gather the numbers
Open your course syllabus and find the weight for each graded item: homework, quizzes, midterms, projects, participation, and the final exam. You’ll need two things for each category: the grade you received (or expect to receive) and the weight that category contributes to the final grade (usually a percentage).
Step 2 — Convert everything to the same scale
Most classes use percentages. If your instructor uses letter grades, convert them to percentages (e.g., A = 95). Keep all values consistent so the arithmetic is straightforward.
Step 3 — Multiply grades by weights
For each category multiply the grade by the weight (as a decimal). For a homework average of 88 worth 20% of your grade, compute 88 × 0.20 = 17.6. Do this for each category you have a grade for.
Step 4 — Add weighted scores and account for missing pieces
Sum all weighted scores to get your current course percentage. If some weights are still unassigned (e.g., the final is 30% and you haven’t taken it), you can calculate two useful numbers: your current grade (only using completed weights) and the score you need on the missing component to reach a target.
Step 5 — Figure out what you need on the final
If your target is a 90% in the class and the final is worth 30%, rearrange the grade formula to solve for the final exam score. Or, use our Assignment Grade Calculator or the original final-grade tool on this site — they automate the math and show you the exact number you need.
Quick example
If your current weighted total is 62% (based on 70% of the course) and the final is 30% of the course, to reach 90% overall you would need a final score x satisfying 62 + 0.30×x = 90 → x ≈ 93. That means you’d need about a 93% on the final.
Tips
- Check your syllabus for rounding and extra-credit policies — small details can change the target slightly.
- Talk to your TA or instructor if a category is ambiguous.
- Use the calculators on this site to test “what-if” scenarios quickly.
Want to try this now? Use our Assignment Grade Calculator and GPA Forecast to test different outcomes.