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Use your own numbers after reviewing the example below.
Quick answer
When a final is worth 20%, your current grade contributes 80% and the final contributes 20%. The needed exam score depends on your current grade and target course grade.
Formula or method
Needed final = (target − current × 0.80) ÷ 0.20
Step-by-step
- Multiply the current grade by 0.80.
- Subtract that contribution from the target grade.
- Divide the remainder by 0.20.
Worked example
If your current grade is 85% and you want an 87% overall grade: (87 − 85 × 0.80) ÷ 0.20 = 95%.
How to interpret the result
A result above 100% means the target is not reachable under these weights without extra credit or another grade adjustment.
Common mistakes
- Using 20 instead of 0.20 in a hand calculation.
- Assuming the current grade already includes the final.
- Ignoring category weights in the syllabus.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need with an 85% current grade to finish with 87%?
95% on a final worth 20%.
Does a 20% final change my grade a lot?
It can move the overall grade by up to 20 percentage points in the extreme, depending on the exam score.
What if I need over 100%?
The target is not reachable under the entered assumptions without extra credit or another adjustment.