Grade Calculator: Weighted Average & What Score You Need on the Final
Figure your course weighted average from assignments and exams, then see exactly what you need on the final to hit your target grade.
What This Calculator Does
This grade calculator does two things: it finds your weighted average from the assignments and exams you enter (name, grade %, weight %), and it answers “what score do I need on the final?” when you set a target course grade and the final’s weight. If your weights don’t add up to 100%, an Auto-Balance badge shows how much is missing or over so you can match your syllabus.
How the Weighted Grade Is Calculated
Course grades are usually with weights summing to 100%. Each assignment’s percentage is multiplied by its weight; add those products. Example: 80% (10%) + 85% (30%) + 90% (60%) = 8 + 25.5 + 54 = 87.5%. To find the required score on the final, the calculator solves for the exam score that, combined with your current average and the final’s weight, gives your desired course grade. If that score is greater than 100%, the goal isn’t achievable with your current numbers.
Curves, Dropped Grades, and the Syllabus
The math here is raw weighted average—no curves or drops. Many professors curve at the end of the term or drop the lowest quiz, which can change your actual grade. If your syllabus says the lowest N grades are dropped, your real “current” average is based only on the work that counts; adjust your entries (or leave dropped items out) so the required score reflects your situation. Always use your syllabus for the exact weight breakdown and grading policy.
Grade Calculator FAQ
? How is my final grade calculated from assignments?
Your course grade is a weighted average: with weights as a share of 100%. For example, an 80% on something worth 10%, an 85% worth 30%, and a 90% worth 60% give 8 + 25.5 + 54 = 87.5%. Enter each item and its weight; the Auto-Balance badge tells you if your weights don’t add up to 100%.
? What score do I need on the final to get a desired grade?
In Final Grade Planning, enter the grade you want and the final’s weight. The tool backs out the score you need: where W is the final’s weight (%). If that number is over 100%, you can’t reach the target with your current average.
? Why do my weights need to add up to 100%?
Syllabi usually define the course grade as 100% of graded work. If your weights don’t sum to 100%, the “current grade” and “required score” are wrong. Pull the breakdown from your syllabus and use the Auto-Balance warning to fix any typo or missing category.
? Does this account for curving or dropped grades?
No. The math here is strict weighted average. Plenty of instructors curve at the end or drop the lowest quiz, so your real grade can differ. If your class drops grades, your true current average is based only on what counts—re-enter those items and weights to get a meaningful “required score.”
? Can I use letter grades instead of percentages?
You need numbers 0–100. If your class uses letters, turn them into the midpoint of your school’s scale (e.g. B+ might be 87) and enter that. When in doubt, check the syllabus or your LMS for the numeric scale.