What Grade Do I Need to Get an A?
Finishing with an A (90%+) takes precise planning, especially when your final exam is worth a large chunk of your grade. Enter your current grade and final weight below to see exactly what score you need to hit that A.
Your overall course percentage before the final exam.
Pre-filled to 90% — 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 90% — the threshold you need to get an a (90%). 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 90%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do I need on my final to get 90%?
Enter your current grade and how much the final exam is worth in the calculator above. The tool applies the formula: required = (90 − 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 90% 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 90% 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 →