Every finals week asks the same question: what do I actually need? The answer is one rearranged weighted average — your course grade is current work × its share plus final × its share, solved for the final.
The worked example
Sitting at 82% with a final worth 30% and an 85% target: the non-final work contributes 82 × 0.70 = 57.4 points, leaving 27.6 of the 85 to earn — 27.6 ÷ 0.30 = 92% needed. The two badges frame your reality instantly: a perfect final lands 87.4%; skipping it entirely leaves 57.4%.
The three verdicts
Every combination lands in one of three states, and the calculator names them honestly. Already secured (needed ≤ 0): even a zero keeps your target — enjoy the week. Reachable: the number, plus a tone check — under 70% is routine, above 90% deserves early starts. Out of reach (needed > 100): no exam performance gets there, so the useful move is re-aiming at the ceiling the calculator shows.
Weight is leverage
A heavy final is high risk and high rescue: with 50% weight, ten points of course grade swing on 20 exam points. A light 15% final barely moves anything — comfort if you're ahead, a wall if you're behind. That's why the weight slider changes your required score so dramatically.
Getting your inputs right
The syllabus holds the weights; your "current grade" is the weighted average of everything except the final. If categories complicate that, compute it first with the weighted grade calculator, and convert the result to grade points with the GPA calculator when transcripts call.
Percentages throughout; letter-grade cutoffs vary by school.