Score needed on remaining work from current grade so far
| Current grade so far | 85.0% |
|---|---|
| Weight of work completed | 70.0% |
| Weight of work remaining | 30.0% |
| Target final grade | 88.0% |
| Score needed on remaining work | 95.0% |
| Weighted points already secured | 59.5% |
The calculation assumes the weights and the grade so far are exact, but instructors may round, drop lowest scores, curve grades or add extra credit, which changes the result. It treats the remaining work as one score. If grading is by points instead of percentages, convert first.
A grade cutoff can differ from what you assumed.
Use the syllabus weights for completed and remaining work. Enter the current average only for the completed portion; the tool solves the score needed on the remaining portion. The weights must add to 100.
Take them from the syllabus. Enter the final grade you want, such as 88 for a B+ at some schools.
Grade Target: formula
Common error: Assuming the needed score scales linearly with how far below target the current grade sits. A small gap can require a disproportionately high remaining score once most of the weight is already spent, which is exactly what a result over 100% is reporting: the target is no longer reachable with the weight left.
Grade Target: changing Current grade so far
| Current grade so far | Score needed on remaining work | Weighted points already secured |
|---|---|---|
| 81.0% | 104.3% | 56.7% |
| 83.0% | 99.7% | 58.1% |
| 85.0% (example) | 95.0% | 59.5% |
| 87.0% | 90.3% | 60.9% |
| 89.0% | 85.7% | 62.3% |
Grade Target: compare input ranges
| Input | Tested from | To | Score needed on remaining work: low input | Score needed on remaining work: high input | Swing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target final grade | 86.0% | 90.0% | 88.3% | 101.7% | 13.3% (14%) |
| Weight of work remaining | 28.0% | 32.0% | 101.8% | 89.1% | 12.7% (13%) |
| Weight of work completed | 68.0% | 72.0% | 100.7% | 89.3% | 11.3% (12%) |
| Current grade so far | 83.0% | 87.0% | 99.7% | 90.3% | 9.3% (9.8%) |
Grade Target: individual input comparisons
| Input | Value | Score needed on remaining work | Weighted points already secured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current grade so far | 81.0% | 104.3% | 56.7% |
| 83.0% | 99.7% | 58.1% | |
| 85.0% | 95.0% | 59.5% | |
| 87.0% | 90.3% | 60.9% | |
| 89.0% | 85.7% | 62.3% | |
| Weight of work completed | 66.0% | 106.3% | 56.1% |
| 68.0% | 100.7% | 57.8% | |
| 70.0% | 95.0% | 59.5% | |
| 72.0% | 89.3% | 61.2% | |
| 74.0% | 83.7% | 62.9% | |
| Weight of work remaining | 26.0% | 109.6% | 59.5% |
| 28.0% | 101.8% | 59.5% | |
| 30.0% | 95.0% | 59.5% | |
| 32.0% | 89.1% | 59.5% | |
| 34.0% | 83.8% | 59.5% | |
| Target final grade | 84.0% | 81.7% | 59.5% |
| 86.0% | 88.3% | 59.5% | |
| 88.0% | 95.0% | 59.5% | |
| 90.0% | 101.7% | 59.5% | |
| 92.0% | 108.3% | 59.5% |
Score needed on remaining work: Current grade so far against Weight of work completed
| Current grade so far / Weight of work completed | 66.0% | 70.0% | 74.0% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81.0% | 115.1% | 104.3% | 93.5% |
| 83.0% | 110.7% | 99.7% | 88.6% |
| 85.0% | 106.3% | 95.0% | 83.7% |
| 87.0% | 101.9% | 90.3% | 78.7% |
| 89.0% | 97.5% | 85.7% | 73.8% |
Grade Target: values and definitions
| Quantity and definition | Value used |
|---|---|
| Current grade so far | 85.0% |
| Weight of work completed | 70.0% |
| Weight of work remaining | 30.0% |
| Target final grade | 88.0% |
| Score needed on remaining work | 95.0% |
| Weighted points already secured | 59.5% |
A single overall percentage hides how much of the final grade is already locked in versus still in play: two students at an identical 82% average can face very different paths to the same target grade if one has 80% of the weight already completed and the other only 40%, because the remaining weight is what any future score gets averaged against.
Recompute after every graded assignment, since both the current-grade input and the weight-completed input change with each new score, and a target that looked achievable early in the term can become unreachable, or already secured, well before the last assignment.
Convert exams with the test score percentage calculator, and track your overall average on the GPA page. The percentage calculator helps with weights. Ask your instructor how borderline grades and rounding are handled, and whether a lowest score is dropped or extra credit is offered.
What if the score I need is over 100?
The target is out of reach with the remaining weight unless there is extra credit. Aim for the highest achievable grade, and ask about extra credit or retakes.
How do I find the weights?
In the course syllabus, which lists how homework, quizzes, exams and projects count toward the final grade.
Do instructors round final grades?
Practices vary. Some round up at .5, and some apply strict cutoffs, so ask your instructor how borderline grades are treated.