1. Your current grade: This is your grade *before* the final exam. It's usually expressed as a percentage or a letter grade (e.g., 85%, B).
2. The weight of the final exam: This is the percentage of your final grade that the final exam counts for. For example, the final might be worth 20%, 30%, or even 50% of your total grade. Your syllabus or instructor should specify this.
3. Your desired final grade: What grade do you want to get in the course? (e.g., 90%, A; 80%, B; 70%, C).
Here's how to calculate the required final exam score:
* Method 1: Using percentages
1. Calculate the weighted current grade: Multiply your current grade (as a decimal - e.g., 85% = 0.85) by (1 - weight of final exam). For example, if your current grade is 85% and the final is worth 30%, this would be: 0.85 * (1 - 0.30) = 0.85 * 0.70 = 0.595 or 59.5%
2. Calculate the required weighted final exam grade: Subtract the weighted current grade from your desired final grade (as a decimal). For example, if you want a 90% and your weighted current grade is 59.5%, this would be: 0.90 - 0.595 = 0.305 or 30.5%
3. Calculate the required final exam score: Divide the required weighted final exam grade by the weight of the final exam. Using the same example: 0.305 / 0.30 = 1.017 or approximately 101.7%. This means you'd need a perfect score or slightly above on the final.
* Method 2: Using a weighted average calculator: Many online calculators are available that do this calculation for you. Just search for "weighted grade calculator" and input your current grade, the weight of the final, and your desired final grade.
Example:
Let's say:
* Current grade: 80%
* Final exam weight: 25%
* Desired final grade: 90%
1. Weighted current grade: 0.80 * (1 - 0.25) = 0.60 or 60%
2. Required weighted final exam grade: 0.90 - 0.60 = 0.30 or 30%
3. Required final exam score: 0.30 / 0.25 = 1.20 or 120%
This means you'd need more than a perfect score on the final exam to achieve a 90% in the course. In this scenario, a 90% is likely unattainable.
Remember to replace the example values with your own numbers. If you are unsure about any of the inputs (especially your current grade or the weight of the final exam), check your syllabus or contact your instructor.