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What do I need on the final? How to work it out in 30 seconds

The formula for the mark you need on a final exam to hit a target grade, with examples, plus a calculator that does it for you.

Updated 2026-09-09 · 2 min read

The formula

Needed on final = (Target − Current × (1 − Final weight)) ÷ Final weight.

Everything as decimals. Current is your average on the work done so far, weighted, out of the portion of the grade already assessed.

Example

You're at 72% on the 60% of the course done so far. The final is worth 40%. You want 75 overall.

Needed = (0.75 − 0.72 × 0.60) ÷ 0.40 = (0.75 − 0.432) ÷ 0.40 = 79.5%.

So a 79.5 on the final lands you a 75.

Do it with the calculator

Use the final grade calculator on this site. Put in your current average, the final's weight and your target. If it says you need over 100, you need a different target, and it's better to know that now.

Or let Buddy do it from the PDF.

Upload your syllabi, get the whole term as a calendar, a daily to-do and a chat that knows your courses. Free.

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