Two weeks before finals, you want to know one thing: what score do I actually need? Here's the exact formula — and examples for the most common scenarios.
The formula
Required Final Score = (Target Grade − Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight
Where all values are in decimal form (e.g. 80% = 0.80, 30% weight = 0.30).
Example 1: You want a B (80%)
Current grade: 76%. Final exam worth: 30%. Target: 80%.
(0.80 − 0.76 × 0.70) ÷ 0.30 = (0.80 − 0.532) ÷ 0.30 = 0.268 ÷ 0.30 = 89.3%
You need an 89.3% on the final to pull your grade up to an 80%.
Example 2: You just want to pass (60%)
Current grade: 58%. Final exam worth: 40%. Target: 60%.
(0.60 − 0.58 × 0.60) ÷ 0.40 = (0.60 − 0.348) ÷ 0.40 = 0.252 ÷ 0.40 = 63%
You need a 63% on the final — very achievable with focused studying.
What if you need over 100%?
If the formula gives you a number above 100, the math is clear: your current grade is too low to reach your target no matter what you score on the final. In this case:
- Ask your professor about extra credit opportunities
- Consider whether a lower target grade is acceptable (e.g. aim for a C instead of a B)
- Check if your school allows late withdrawals to avoid a failing grade on your transcript
Tips for the last two weeks
- Focus on high-weight topics your professor emphasized in class
- Do past exams under timed conditions — not just review notes
- Identify your three weakest areas and spend 60% of your study time there
- Sleep properly the two nights before — sleep consolidates memory more than last-minute cramming