How to Calculate Your Final Grades

Figuring out what grade you actually have in a class before final exams can be confusing, especially if your professor uses a weighted syllabus instead of a simple points system. Here is the exact mathematical way to determine your current standing in any class.

Method 1: The Total Points System (Easy)

Some teachers use a straightforward points system. The syllabus will state: "There are 1,000 total points available in this class."

To calculate your current grade, take the total points earned so far and divide by total points graded so far:

• If you got 80/100 on Midterm 1 and 40/50 on a Project, you earned 120 points out of 150 possible points.
• 120 ÷ 150 = 0.80 → 80% (B).

Method 2: The Weighted Categories System (Advanced)

Most high school and college courses use weighted categories. Your syllabus will specify percentages:

• Homework & Quizzes: 20%
• Midterm Examination: 30%
• Final Examination: 50%

Under this system, a 100-point homework assignment carries significantly less mathematical weight than a 100-point midterm exam. To calculate your grade, multiply your percentage average in each category by its syllabus decimal weight.

Step-by-Step Weighted Calculation

Suppose you have a 95% average on homework, and scored 82% on your midterm. The Final Exam (50%) has not occurred yet.

1. Homework contribution: 95 × 0.20 = 19.0 points
2. Midterm contribution: 82 × 0.30 = 24.6 points
3. Sum of earned points: 19.0 + 24.6 = 43.6 total points earned.

Since only 50% of the course weight has been graded, divide earned points (43.6) by graded weight (50% or 0.50):

Calculating What You Need on the Final Exam

To find what score you need on the final to get a specific target grade (e.g. 90% for an A-):

Applying our example values:

• 90% (Target) - 43.6 (Current Earned Points) = 46.4 points needed from the Final.
• 46.4 ÷ 0.50 (Final Weight) = 92.8%

You must score at least 92.8% on your final exam to complete the class with an overall 90% (A-).

Frequently Asked Questions