Final Exam Calculator

What is the weighting of a final exam?

The weighting of a final exam or assignment is a crucial aspect of course design, yet it is rarely addressed in educational literature. Depending on the assigned weight, a final exam may offer varying benefits to students based on their earlier performance in the course. Inadequate or careless weighting can negatively affect student learning by preventing the course grade from accurately reflecting a student’s increased knowledge by the end of the term. We examine the challenges associated with typical final exam weightings and suggest solutions to minimise uneven outcomes caused by improper grade weighting. This article argues that the weight assigned to a final exam influences the type of success a student can achieve in a class. Therefore, it’s essential for instructors to thoughtfully assign exam weights, being fully aware of the potential advantages and drawbacks of the choices they make.

Why is it important to know your final grade?

Even though your teachers are responsible for calculating your final grades, it's important to understand how to work them out for yourself. By doing so, you can ensure there are no mistakes. Teachers handle many students' grades every year, and it’s not uncommon for errors to occur, such as forgetting to include a score or making a simple calculation mistake. By tracking your individual assignment and test results, you can double-check your teacher's grading and be sure your correct grade is recorded.

Knowing your final grade in advance can also be useful. You can estimate the grades you'll need to achieve to maintain or improve your current standing. For instance, if your current grade is a C, you can work out what score you’ll need on the final exam to bump it up to a B. Similarly, if you already have an A or B, you can calculate what grade is needed to keep it.

How to calculate your final exam grade?

In a points-based grading system, a class awards a set number of points, and each assignment or activity contributes a portion of that total. However, with a weighted grading system, tasks are divided into categories, and each category is assigned a percentage value or weight. The total of these weights adds up to 100%. For example, in a weighted system, participation might be worth 5%, homework 15%, essays 20%, quizzes 25%, and exams 35%. The more challenging tasks receive greater weight.

To calculate your final exam grade, use the formula below:

Final exam grade = (required grade - (100% - w) × current grade) / w

Where “w” is the final exam weight, and “g” is your current grade.

For example, if you need 80% to pass and your final exam is worth 50% of your grade, while your current grade is 70%, the formula becomes:

Final exam grade = (80% - (100% - 50%) × 70%) / 50%

Which equals 90%. Therefore, you would need to score 90% (an A-) on the final exam to achieve your desired grade.

How to convert a grade into a percentage?

The following table is used to convert letter grades into percentages. It’s worth noting that this may not apply universally, so it’s best to know the exact percentage scores for your course to ensure accuracy.

Since grading systems can vary, especially internationally, it’s best to check with your institution and enter percentage grades into the calculator for the most accurate results.

How to use this calculator?

Our calculator assumes that your current grade is based on all course work completed prior to the final exam, and it calculates it as 100% minus the weight of the final exam. If your current grade doesn't include all coursework (assignments, labs, quizzes, etc.), the results may not be accurate.

If you do not know your current grade, the calculator can determine it for you by considering your coursework, grades, and weights. It subtracts the sum of the weights of the assignments from 100% to calculate the final exam’s weight. Be cautious, though, as inputting too many or too few assignments can result in an incorrect final weight.

How to combine grades to get a final grade?

Grades are usually made up of several components, such as exams, projects, quizzes, and papers. Teachers often choose to give more weight to certain elements. For example, cumulative quiz scores might carry the same weight as hourly exam grades. When determining how much weight to assign to each component, the instructor should consider how well each part measures important course objectives. Each graded factor provides insight into a different aspect of student achievement.

While a significant portion of your grade may depend on your final exam, it’s never wise to rely on it as a last resort. The best way to maintain a high grade throughout the course is to perform well on all assignments and tests. This way, you reduce the pressure on your final and increase your chances of finishing with a strong grade. However, if you’ve been struggling throughout the course, it may be too late to rely solely on your final exam without having prepared sufficiently earlier in the term.