What Do I Need on My Final Exam to Get an A?
To secure a 90% (A-) with a current 92% and a 20% final, you need an 82.0% on your final exam.
If your target is a solid A (93%) and you currently hold a 91% with a 25% final, you will need a 99.0% on your final exam.
How This Is Calculated
For a 90% target with a 92% current grade and a 20% final: Required = [90 - 92 × 0.80] ÷ 0.20 = [90 - 73.6] ÷ 0.20 = 16.4 ÷ 0.20 = 82.0%.
Maintaining a buffer above 93% throughout the semester gives you substantial breathing room on final exam day.
If your final exam is comprehensive and replaces a lower midterm score, calculating your target is even more advantageous.
Interactive Grade Calculator
Adjust the points or percentage below to calculate custom test and assignment grades in real time.
Enter Percentage
Convert raw percentage score into letter grade, 4.0 GPA point, and band.
Enter any percentage score (e.g. 89.5, 92, 78.4, 105 for extra credit)
Teacher Policy Note: Scores like 89.5% round up to 90% (A-) under 0-decimal standard rounding, but remain in the B+ band under unrounded truncation. Always check your syllabus policy.
Grade Comparison & Reference Table
| Current Grade | Final Weight | Score Needed for A- (90%) | Score Needed for Solid A (93%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94% | 20% | 74.0% | 89.0% |
| 92% | 20% | 82.0% | 97.0% |
| 90% | 20% | 90.0% | 105.0% (Need Extra Credit) |
| 93% | 25% | 81.0% | 93.0% |
| 89% | 30% | 92.3% | 102.3% (Need Extra Credit) |
Final Grade Calculator
Use the interactive target grade predictor to calculate your path to an A.
Related Grade Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get an A if I have an 88% right now?
Yes! If your final is worth 25% or more, scoring 96% or higher on the final exam can pull an 88% running average up to a 90% (A-).
Is 90% an A or an A- in college?
On a standard collegiate plus/minus scale, 90.0% to 92.9% is an A- (3.7 GPA), while 93.0% to 100% is a solid A (4.0 GPA).