What Grade Do I Need to Get a C?
Earning a C (70%) keeps you in good standing and meets minimum GPA requirements for many programs. Enter your current grade below to find out what final exam score you need to land that C.
Your overall course percentage before the final exam.
Pre-filled to 70% — adjust if needed.
The percentage of your total grade the final exam is worth (check your syllabus).
How to Use This Calculator
The desired grade field is pre-filled to 70% — the threshold you need to get a c (70%). Just enter your current course grade and how much your final exam counts toward the overall grade, and you'll instantly see the minimum score required.
The calculator uses the standard weighted-average formula:
required = (desired − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight
Where weight is the final exam weight as a decimal (e.g. 30% → 0.30), current is your overall percentage before the final, and desired is 70%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do I need on my final to get 70%?
Enter your current grade and how much the final exam is worth in the calculator above. The tool applies the formula: required = (70 − current × (1 − weight)) ÷ weight, giving you the exact score you need.
What if the calculator says the score is over 100%?
A result above 100% means it is not possible to reach 70% through the final exam alone, no matter how well you do. Consider speaking with your instructor about extra credit opportunities or adjusting your target grade.
What if my required score is negative or zero?
A result of 0% or below means you have already secured 70% overall — even scoring zero on the final will not drop your grade below your target. You still need to sit the exam, but there is no minimum score required.
Where do I find my final exam weight?
The final exam weight is almost always listed in your course syllabus under the grading breakdown (e.g. "Final Exam 30%"). If you cannot find it, ask your instructor or check your course management system.
Can I use this calculator for midterms or other assessments?
Yes. Enter your current grade (excluding the upcoming assessment), the overall grade you want, and the weight of that assessment. The calculator works for any single upcoming graded item, not just final exams.
Need the full tool with no pre-fills? Open the Final Grade Calculator →