Grade Calculator

Calculate your weighted grade or the score you need on the final

Weighted average

79%

Letter grade: C · Total weight: 100%

Item

Score (%)

Weight (%)

Contribution to your grade

Item 1+27 pts

Item 2+24 pts

Item 3+28 pts

Each bar shows how many points that item adds to your overall grade (score × weight ÷ total weight). The bars add up to your weighted average.

How it works

Weighted average = Σ(score × weight) / Σ(weight)

Each item's score is multiplied by its weight, summed, and divided by the total weight. This works even when your weights don't add up to exactly 100% — the total is always used as the denominator.

What is a grade calculator?

A grade calculator turns your individual assignment, quiz, and exam scores into the single overall grade that lands on your transcript. Because each piece of work usually counts for a different percentage of the course, you can't just average the raw scores — a final worth 40% should pull your grade far more than a homework set worth 5%. This tool does the weighting for you. In 'Weighted grade' mode, you enter each item's score and weight to see your running average and how much each item contributes. In 'Final grade needed' mode, you enter your current standing and target to find out the exact score you need on the last exam.

How to use it

Weighted grade: 1. Add a row for each assignment, quiz, or exam. 2. Enter the score you earned (as a percent) and the weight it carries. 3. The weighted average, letter grade, and per-item contribution update instantly. Final grade needed: 1. Switch to the 'Final grade needed' tab. 2. Enter your current grade, the weight of the final, and your target overall grade. 3. The tool shows the exact score you need on the final — and flags if the goal is impossible or already locked in.

Formula and definition

Weighted average: overall = Σ(score × weight) ÷ Σ(weight) Each score is scaled by its weight, summed, and divided by the total weight — so it works even when the weights don't sum to exactly 100%. Final grade needed: needed = (target − current × (1 − w)) ÷ w where w is the final's weight as a fraction. Example: current 70, final weight 30%, target 65 → (65 − 70 × 0.7) ÷ 0.3 ≈ 53.3%.

Reading your results

The weighted average is your overall course grade given the work entered so far; the contribution bars show which items are pulling it up or down. A needed-score result between 0 and 100 is achievable. Above 100% means the target is out of reach even with a perfect final — set a more realistic goal. At or below 0% means you've already secured the target and could score zero on the final and still hit it. The letter grades are a rough guide; confirm cutoffs with your instructor.

Frequently asked questions

How is a weighted grade different from a simple average? ▾

A simple average treats every score equally. A weighted grade multiplies each score by how much it counts, so heavily weighted exams move your grade more than minor assignments.

What does it mean if my weights don't total 100%? ▾

The calculator still gives a correct average by dividing by the total weight you entered. It also notes whether the total is under or over 100%, which usually means a missing or duplicated item.

How do I figure out the grade I need on my final exam? ▾

Use the 'Final grade needed' tab: enter your current grade, the final's weight, and your target. The formula needed = (target − current × (1 − w)) ÷ w gives the exact score required.

Why does it say my target is impossible? ▾

If the score needed on the final comes out above 100%, no possible final score can lift your average to the target. You'd need to lower the target, or the assumption about your current grade or the final's weight may be off.

This calculator is for general guidance only and uses a common 90/80/70/60 letter-grade scale. Your institution's official grading policy — including plus/minus grades, curving, and rounding — is authoritative. Always confirm calculations with your instructor or registrar.